A new study ranks the best and worst locations for business in the UK in 2024
According to the study by business experts at BizSpace, Surrey stands out as the best location for doing business in the UK for 2024. Surrey ranks first with an overall score of 80, driven by its high business growth rate of 4.97% over the past five years and strong educational attainment, with 75.5% of its population holding NVQ4+ qualifications. The area’s high Gross Value Added (GVA) per hour worked, at £67.60, and a relatively high median gross monthly pay of £3,607 also contribute to its top ranking, making Surrey a leading example of economic vitality and a supportive environment for business growth.
On the other hand, Wiltshire is ranked as the worst location for business in the UK in 2024, with an overall score of 50. Wiltshire’s declining business count and low business survival rate of 12.27% highlight the area’s significant challenges. Economic constraints such as lower median gross monthly pay of £1,764 and a high rent-to-wage ratio of 81.01% further hinder business operations and growth. This stark contrast between Surrey and Wiltshire underscores the critical role of economic productivity, workforce skills, and affordability in creating a thriving business ecosystem.
Short Methodology: Bizspace.co.uk assessed business friendliness across 141 unitary districts/authorities in the UK by analyzing criteria such as new enterprise births, business growth rates, business survival rates, GVA per hour worked, median gross monthly pay, rent, rent-to-wage ratios, and educational attainment. The data was sourced from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and the National Online Manpower Information System (NOMIS). Each criterion was scored from 40 to 100, with normalization applied to ensure fair comparisons.
Key Findings:
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Surrey achieves the highest overall business-friendly score (80) due to its high GVA per hour worked (£46.36), strong business survival rate (44.77%), and highly educated workforce (53.3% with NVQ4+ qualifications).
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In contrast, Wiltshire ranks lowest with a score of 50, reflecting a significant decline in business count (-2.78%), low business survival rate (14.39%), and modest economic productivity (GVA of £31.54 per hour worked).
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Kent recorded the highest number of new enterprises (8,170) in 2021, while Rutland had the fewest (165), highlighting regional disparities in entrepreneurial activity.
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Hackney experienced the most significant business count growth over the last five years (4.97%), whereas Central Bedfordshire faced the steepest decline (-3.92%).
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Rutland boasts the best business survival rate (50%), indicating resilience among new businesses, while Luton has the lowest (12.27%).
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Tower Hamlets has the highest Gross Value Added (GVA) per hour worked (£67.60), showcasing high productivity, while St. Helens has the lowest (£26.44).
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Wandsworth offers the highest average wage (£3,607), contrasting with Blackpool, which has the lowest (£1,764), suggesting economic disparities across regions.
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Kensington and Chelsea has the highest rent-to-wage ratio (81.01%), indicating a high cost of living relative to wages, whereas Hartlepool enjoys the lowest ratio (22.94%).
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Lambeth has the highest percentage of residents with NVQ4+ qualifications (75.5%), while North East Lincolnshire has the fewest (23.6%), reflecting regional differences in education levels.
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Bedford reports the highest life satisfaction score (7.89), whereas Kensington and Chelsea have the lowest (7.18), highlighting perceived quality of life variations.
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South East England dominates the top ten business destinations, with areas like Surrey, Wokingham, and Hampshire offering supportive environments for business growth. In contrast, North West England features prominently in the bottom 20, facing challenges like declining business counts and lower economic productivity.
20 Best Locations for Businesses in the UK 2024
| County/Unitary District | Region | New Enterprise Births in a Year | Percentage YoY Business Count Growth (Last 5 Years) | Business Survival Rate (Last 6 Years) | Average of Gross Value Added (GVA, Pounds) Per Hour Worked | Median Gross Monthly Pay (Pounds) | All categories Median Rent, April 22- March 23 | Rent to Wage Ratio | Percentage With NVQ4Plus (aged 16-64) | Average Life Satisfaction Score (March 2021-2022) | Final Score |
| Surrey | South East | 6940 | -0.26% | 44.77% | 46.36 | 2757 | 1220 | 44.25% | 53.30% | 7.59 | 80 |
| Wokingham | South East | 940 | 0.29% | 46.15% | 56.38 | 2960 | 1100 | 37.17% | 57.00% | 7.47 | 78.6 |
| Hampshire | South East | 6270 | -0.22% | 43.10% | 42.94 | 2458 | 950 | 38.65% | 40.30% | 7.71 | 77.9 |
| Westminster | London | 7145 | 1.84% | 46.43% | 58.07 | 3195 | 2455 | 76.84% | 68.90% | 7.38 | 77.6 |
| Oxfordshire | South East | 3330 | 0.64% | 46.06% | 37.05 | 2592 | 1160 | 44.75% | 55.60% | 7.75 | 77.6 |
| Kent | South East | 8170 | 1.16% | 40.57% | 36.37 | 2399 | 900 | 37.52% | 38.70% | 7.6 | 77.3 |
| Suffolk | East of England | 3445 | 0.94% | 48.34% | 34.82 | 2158 | 795 | 36.85% | 37.00% | 7.83 | 77.2 |
| Essex | East of England | 8050 | 0.76% | 42.92% | 34.83 | 2388 | 975 | 40.84% | 35.20% | 7.68 | 77.1 |
| Rutland | East Midlands | 165 | 0.81% | 50.00% | 30.35 | 2600 | 775 | 29.81% | 43.50% | 7.76 | 76.8 |
| Windsor and Maidenhead | South East | 1055 | -0.15% | 42.23% | 53.16 | 2836 | 1300 | 45.84% | 58.70% | 7.65 | 75.8 |
| Lancashire | North West | 5870 | 0.82% | 41.96% | 32.6 | 2110 | 575 | 27.25% | 35.60% | 7.62 | 75.8 |
| North Yorkshire | Yorkshire and The Humber | 2725 | 0.32% | 45.44% | 31.9 | 2143 | 675 | 31.50% | 43.50% | 7.78 | 75.7 |
| Warwickshire | West Midlands | 3535 | -0.04% | 43.10% | 37.24 | 2504 | 800 | 31.95% | 43.90% | 7.62 | 75.5 |
| Leicestershire | East Midlands | 3275 | 0.23% | 42.13% | 33.83 | 2322 | 695 | 29.93% | 40.20% | 7.77 | 75.4 |
| Camden | London | 5600 | 2.95% | 40.63% | 51.82 | 2989 | 1950 | 65.24% | 66.40% | 7.35 | 75.4 |
| Richmond upon Thames | London | 1585 | -0.45% | 45.38% | 50.63 | 3071 | 1625 | 52.91% | 70.00% | 7.47 | 75.4 |
| Derbyshire | East Midlands | 3335 | 0.67% | 43.71% | 34.41 | 2203 | 636 | 28.87% | 37.80% | 7.69 | 75.3 |
| York | Yorkshire and The Humber | 800 | 0.47% | 47.90% | 35.73 | 2188 | 850 | 38.86% | 59.40% | 7.65 | 75.2 |
| Bedford | East of England | 960 | 1.20% | 40.10% | 31.74 | 2490 | 850 | 34.14% | 49.50% | 7.89 | 75.1 |
| Gloucestershire | South West | 2980 | 0.46% | 48.12% | 36.94 | 2349 | 815 | 34.70% | 42.90% | 7.51 | 75 |
1. Surrey
Surrey, located in the South East of England, ranks as the best area for business in 2024 despite a slight decline in business numbers (-0.26%) from 2018 to 2022. Surrey remains a key business hub with 6,940 new enterprises in 2021 and a solid business survival rate of 44.77%. The area boasts a high GVA of £46.36 per hour worked, and 53.3% of its workforce holds NVQ4+ qualifications. Although the average monthly income is £2,757, the high property rents (£1,220) lead to a rent-to-wage ratio of 44.25%. Surrey also has a high life satisfaction score of 7.59.
2. Wokingham
Wokingham, another town in the South East, ranks second. The area saw a 0.29% increase in business counts and established 940 new enterprises in 2021. With a business survival rate of 46.15% and a high GVA of £56.38 per hour worked Wokingham is a strong business environment. The average monthly pay is £2,960, and with an average rent of £1,100, the rent-to-wage ratio is 37.17%. Additionally, 57% of residents have NVQ4+ qualifications, and the life satisfaction score is 7.47.
3. Hampshire
Hampshire ranks third in the South East, despite a slight business decline (-0.22%). In 2021, 6,270 new companies were established, with a business survival rate of 43.1%. The GVA per hour worked is £42.94. The average monthly salary is £2,458, with a rent-to-wage ratio of 38.65% due to average rent of £950. Hampshire’s workforce is well-educated, with 40.3% holding NVQ4+ qualifications and a high life satisfaction score of 7.71.
4. Westminster
In central London, Westminster ranks fourth, with a 1.84% annual increase in business numbers and 7,145 new businesses in 2021. The area boasts a high business survival rate of 46.43% and the highest GVA among the top 20 regions at £58.07 per hour worked. Despite high average monthly pay (£3,195), the rent-to-wage ratio is steep at 76.84%, reflecting the area’s premium cost of living. Education levels are high, with 68.9% holding NVQ4+ qualifications, and the life satisfaction score is 7.38.
5. Oxfordshire
Oxfordshire, another strong performer in the South East, ranks fifth. The region experienced a 0.64% growth in business counts, with 3,330 new companies in 2021. The business survival rate is 46.06%, and the GVA per hour worked is £37.05. With an average monthly wage of £2,592 and rent at £1,160, the rent-to-wage ratio is 44.75%. Oxfordshire is well-educated, 55.6% holding NVQ4+ qualifications, and the life satisfaction score is 7.75.
6. Kent
Kent ranks sixth, with 8,170 new companies in 2021 and a 1.16% increase in business counts from 2018 to 2022. Despite a lower business survival rate of 40.57%, Kent has a GVA of £36.37 per hour worked. The average monthly pay is £2,399, and the rent-to-wage ratio is 37.52% due to affordable rents of £900. Education levels are lower, with 38.7% holding NVQ4+ qualifications, but life satisfaction remains high at 7.6.
7. Suffolk
Suffolk ranks seventh, with a 0.94% increase in business counts and 3,445 new enterprises in 2021. The area has an impressive business survival rate of 48.34% and a GVA of £34.82 per hour. Suffolk is affordable, with an average monthly salary of £2,158 and a rent-to-wage ratio of 36.85%. However, only 37% of the population holds NVQ4+ qualifications. Life satisfaction in Suffolk is the second highest in the country at 7.83.
8. Essex
Essex ranks eighth with a 0.76% increase in business counts and the second-highest number of new enterprises (8,050) in 2021. The business survival rate is 42.92%, and the GVA is £34.83 per hour worked. With an average pay of £2,388 and a rent-to-wage ratio of 40.84%, Essex is moderately affordable. However, only 35.2% have NVQ4+ qualifications. Life satisfaction is high at 7.68.
9. Rutland
Rutland, the smallest historic county, ranks ninth. Although it saw the fewest new enterprises (165) in 2021, it boasts the highest business survival rate of 50%. The GVA per hour worked is £30.35. With an average salary of £2,600 and low rent of £775, the rent-to-wage ratio is favorable at 29.81%. Education levels are moderate, with 43.5% holding NVQ4+ qualifications, and the life satisfaction score is 7.76.
10. Windsor and Maidenhead
Windsor and Maidenhead rank tenth despite a slight business decline (-0.15%). The area saw 1,055 new companies in 2021, with a decent business survival rate of 42.23%. The GVA is high at £53.16 per hour worked. The average monthly income is £2,836, but high rents of £1,300 push the rent-to-wage ratio to 45.84%. The area is highly educated, with 58.7% holding NVQ4+ qualifications, and the life satisfaction score is 7.65.
11. Lancashire
Lancashire ranks eleventh, with a 0.82% growth in business counts and 5,870 new companies in 2021. The business survival rate is 41.96%, with a GVA of £32.6 per hour worked. The region is highly affordable, with one of the lowest rent-to-wage ratios at 27.25%, due to a low average rent of £575 and a monthly salary of £2,110. However, only 35.6% of the population hold NVQ4+ qualifications. Life satisfaction is strong, with a score of 7.62.
12. North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire ranks twelfth, with a modest 0.32% growth in business counts and 2,725 new enterprises in 2021. The business survival rate is 45.44%, supported by a GVA of £31.9 per hour worked. The average monthly wage is £2,143, and the rent-to-wage ratio is 31.5% due to a rent of £675. Education levels are moderate, with 43.5% holding NVQ4+ qualifications. The life satisfaction score is 7.78, the third highest on the list.
13. Warwickshire
Warwickshire ranks thirteenth, with 3,535 new enterprises in 2021, despite a slight decline in business counts. The business survival rate is 43.1%, and the GVA is £37.24 per hour worked. With an average salary of £2,504 and a rent-to-wage ratio of 31.95%, Warwickshire remains affordable. The area has a decent education level, with 43.9% holding NVQ4+ qualifications and a life satisfaction score 7.62.
14. Leicestershire
Leicestershire ranks fourteenth, with a 0.23% increase in business counts and 3,275 new companies in 2021. The business survival rate is 42.13%, with a GVA of £33.83 per hour worked. The area is relatively affordable, with a rent-to-wage ratio of 29.93% due to a low rent of £695 and a monthly income of £2,322. The workforce is well-educated, 40.2% holding NVQ4+ qualifications, and the life satisfaction score is 7.77.
15. Camden
Camden ranks fifteenth as a central London borough with the highest annual growth in business counts (2.95%) and 5,600 new companies in 2021. The business survival rate is 40.63%, supported by a GVA of £51.82 per hour worked. Despite a decent average income of £2,989, Camden faces high living costs, with a rent-to-wage ratio of 65.24% due to rents of £1,950. The area is highly educated, with 66.4% holding NVQ4+ qualifications and a life satisfaction score of 7.35.
16. Richmond upon Thames
Richmond upon Thames ranks sixteenth, with 1,585 new businesses established in 2021, despite a slight decline in business numbers (-0.45%). The area boasts a strong business survival rate of 45.38% and a GVA of £50.63 per hour worked. However, the rent-to-wage ratio is high at 52.91%, with an average income of £3,071 and rent of £1,625. The borough is highly educated, with 70% holding NVQ4+ qualifications, and enjoys a life satisfaction score 7.47.
17. Derbyshire
Derbyshire ranks seventeenth, with a 0.67% growth in business counts and 3,335 new enterprises in 2021. The business survival rate is 43.71%, with a GVA of £34.41 per hour worked. The area is affordable, with a rent-to-wage ratio of 28.87%, thanks to a low rent of £636 and an average monthly salary of £2,203. However, only 37.8% of the population hold NVQ4+ qualifications. Life satisfaction is high at 7.69.
18. York
York ranks eighteenth, with 800 new enterprises in 2021 and a 0.47% growth in business counts from 2018 to 2022. The business survival rate is 47.9%, supported by a GVA of £35.73 per hour worked. The average monthly wage is £2,188, and the rent-to-wage ratio is 38.86% due to rent of £850. York is well-educated, with 59.4% holding NVQ4+ qualifications, and has a life satisfaction score of 7.65.
19. BedfordBedford ranks nineteenth, with 960 new enterprises in 2021 and a 1.2% growth in business counts from 2018 to 2022. The business survival rate is 40.1%, with a GVA of £31.74 per hour worked. The rent-to-wage ratio is balanced at 34.14%, with an average monthly pay of £2,490 and rent of £850. Bedford’s workforce is moderately educated, with 49.5% holding NVQ4+ qualifications. Notably, Bedford has the highest life satisfaction score of 7.89.
20. Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire ranks twentieth, with 2,980 new enterprises in 2021 and a 0.46% growth in business counts. The business survival rate is 48.12%, among the highest on the list, supported by a GVA of £36.94 per hour worked. The area offers a comfortable living environment, with a rent-to-wage ratio of 34.7% due to an average income of £2,349 and rent of £815. Education levels are decent, with 42.9% holding NVQ4+ qualifications, and the life satisfaction score is 7.51.
20 Worst Areas for Businesses in the UK 2024
| Rank | County/Unitary District | New Enterprise Births in a Year | Percentage YoY Business Count Growth (Last 5 Years) | Business Survival Rate (Last 6 Years) | Average of Gross Value Added (GVA, Pounds) Per Hour Worked | Median Gross Monthly Pay (Pounds) | All categories Median Rent, April 22- March 23 | Rent to Wage Ratio | Percentage With NVQ4Plus (aged 16-64) | Average Life Satisfaction Score (March 2021-2022) | Final Score |
| 1 | Wiltshire | 1980 | -2.78% | 14.39% | 31.54 | 2292 | 825 | 36.00% | 45.60% | 7.44 | 55 |
| 2 | Luton | 1705 | -2.05% | 12.27% | 35.96 | 2170 | 850 | 39.17% | 37.10% | 7.67 | 55.6 |
| 3 | Central Bedfordshire | 1450 | -3.92% | 14.06% | 34.02 | 2739 | 910 | 33.22% | 41.70% | 7.72 | 58.3 |
| 4 | Oldham | 1070 | 0.49% | 25.26% | 30.75 | 2146 | 650 | 30.29% | 29.60% | 7.51 | 60.6 |
| 5 | Bury | 1645 | 0.29% | 21.48% | 30.55 | 2388 | 700 | 29.32% | 42.60% | 7.44 | 61.6 |
| 6 | Kensington and Chelsea | 1910 | 0.32% | 41.34% | 43.29 | 3086 | 2500 | 81.01% | 63.90% | 7.18 | 61.8 |
| 7 | Blackpool | 540 | -0.08% | 38.79% | 28.59 | 1764 | 550 | 31.18% | 28.60% | 7.44 | 62.6 |
| 8 | Doncaster | 1735 | 0.88% | 30.71% | 28.43 | 2140 | 545 | 25.47% | 27.20% | 7.43 | 63.3 |
| 9 | Redcar and Cleveland | 400 | -0.33% | 35.71% | 28.14 | 1908 | 525 | 27.51% | 33.40% | 7.5 | 63.4 |
| 10 | Sunderland | 1115 | 0.81% | 36.78% | 38.24 | 1997 | 550 | 27.54% | 24.70% | 7.23 | 63.5 |
| 11 | Sandwell | 1760 | 2.15% | 36.88% | 32.76 | 2035 | 725 | 35.62% | 27.20% | 7.29 | 63.7 |
| 12 | Hartlepool | 275 | -1.34% | 36.25% | 31.85 | 2158 | 495 | 22.94% | 30.20% | 7.42 | 63.8 |
| 13 | Southwark | 2825 | 0.35% | 32.28% | 42.43 | 2904 | 1800 | 61.98% | 57.20% | 7.32 | 63.9 |
| 14 | Rochdale | 1075 | 1.60% | 33.04% | 30.17 | 2045 | 595 | 29.09% | 31.30% | 7.42 | 64 |
| 15 | Halton | 545 | -0.08% | 34.40% | 40.56 | 2108 | 575 | 27.28% | 30.30% | 7.34 | 64.1 |
| 16 | Manchester | 4245 | 0.88% | 26.36% | 36.04 | 2081 | 900 | 43.24% | 45.10% | 7.45 | 64.3 |
| 17 | North East Lincolnshire | 580 | 0.54% | 38.46% | 29.22 | 2133 | 515 | 24.14% | 23.60% | 7.38 | 64.4 |
| 18 | Nottingham | 1350 | 1.13% | 40.21% | 32.77 | 1875 | 725 | 38.66% | 41.90% | 7.25 | 64.5 |
| 19 | Knowsley | 560 | 0.54% | 36.11% | 33.41 | 2249 | 645 | 28.68% | 31.20% | 7.36 | 64.5 |
| 20 | Walsall | 1535 | 1.67% | 37.10% | 28.66 | 2078 | 675 | 32.48% | 26.90% | 7.42 | 64.6 |
1. Wiltshire
Wiltshire ranks as the worst area for business in the UK in 2024 despite 1,980 new enterprises in 2021. The county experienced the second-biggest decline in business numbers (-2.78%) and has the third-lowest business survival rate (14.39%). With a GVA of £31.54 per hour worked, the average monthly pay is £2,292, leading to a moderate % rent-to-wage ratio of 36%. Despite a relatively high percentage (45.6%) of NVQ4+ qualified residents and a life satisfaction score 7.44, Wiltshire’s poor business environment results in the lowest overall score.
2. Luton
Luton ranks second from the bottom, with a 2.05% drop in business counts and 1,705 new enterprises in 2021. The business survival rate is critically low at 12.27%, though the GVA is slightly better at £35.96 per hour worked. The average monthly salary is £2,170, and the rent-to-wage ratio is 39.17%. Only 37.1% of residents have NVQ4+ qualifications, though Luton’s life satisfaction score is a relatively high 7.67.
3. Central Bedfordshire
Central Bedfordshire ranks third from the bottom, with the sharpest decline in business counts (-3.92%) and 1,450 new enterprises in 2021. The business survival rate is 14.06%, while the GVA per hour worked is £34.02. The area offers a balanced cost of living, with a rent-to-wage ratio of 33.22% based on a monthly wage of £2,739. The education level is moderate, with 41.7% holding NVQ4+ qualifications, and the life satisfaction score is 7.72.
4. Oldham
Oldham ranks fourth from the bottom, with 1,070 new enterprises in 2021 and a small increase in business counts (0.49%). The business survival rate is 25.26%, and the GVA per hour worked is £30.75. The area is affordable, with a rent-to-wage ratio of 30.29%, though only 29.6% of residents have NVQ4+ qualifications. Oldham’s life satisfaction score is 7.51.
5. Bury
Bury ranks fifth-worst for business, with 1,645 new enterprises in 2021 and a slight increase in business counts (0.29%). The business survival rate is low at 21.48%, and the GVA is £30.55 per hour worked. The area has a comfortable rent-to-wage ratio of 29.32%, with 42.6% of the population holding NVQ4+ qualifications. The life satisfaction score is 7.44.
6. Kensington and Chelsea
Kensington and Chelsea rank sixth from the bottom, with 1,910 new enterprises in 2021 and a slight growth in business counts (0.32%). The business survival rate is relatively high at 41.34%, and the GVA per hour worked is £43.29. However, the rent-to-wage ratio is the highest in the UK at 81.01%, with an average monthly pay of £3,086. The area is highly educated, with 63.9% holding NVQ4+ qualifications, but the life satisfaction score is the lowest at 7.18.
7. Blackpool
Blackpool ranks seventh from the bottom, with 540 new enterprises in 2021 and a slight decline in business counts (-0.08%). The business survival rate is 38.79%, but the GVA is low at £28.59 per hour worked. The area has the lowest average monthly salary (£1,764) but an affordable rent-to-wage ratio of 31.18%. Only 28.6% of residents hold NVQ4+ qualifications; the life satisfaction score is 7.44.
8. Doncaster
Doncaster ranks eighth from the bottom, with a 0.88% growth in business counts and 1,735 new enterprises in 2021. The business survival rate is 30.71%, and the GVA per hour worked is £28.43. The area is affordable, with a rent-to-wage ratio of 25.47%, though only 27.2% of residents have NVQ4+ qualifications. Doncaster’s life satisfaction score is 7.43.
9. Redcar and Cleveland
Redcar and Cleveland rank ninth from the bottom, with 400 new enterprises in 2021 and a slight decline in business counts (-0.33%). The business survival rate is 35.71%, and the GVA per hour worked is £28.14, with a low average monthly pay of £1,908. The rent-to-wage ratio is 27.51%, and 33.4% of residents have NVQ4+ qualifications. The life satisfaction score is 7.5.
10. Sunderland
Sunderland ranks tenth-worst, with 1,115 new enterprises in 2021 and a 0.81% growth in business counts. The business survival rate is 36.78%, and the GVA per hour worked is £38.24. The area is affordable, with a rent-to-wage ratio of 27.54%, though only 24.7% of residents hold NVQ4+ qualifications. Sunderland’s life satisfaction score is 7.23.
11. Sandwell
Sandwell ranks eleventh from the bottom, with 1,760 new enterprises in 2021 and a 2.15% growth in business counts. The business survival rate is 36.88%, and the GVA per hour worked is £32.76. The area has a rent-to-wage ratio of 35.62%, with only 27.2% of residents holding NVQ4+ qualifications. The life satisfaction score is 7.29.
12. Hartlepool
Hartlepool ranks twelfth from the bottom, with a 1.34% decline in business counts and 275 new enterprises in 2021. The business survival rate is 36.25%, and the GVA per hour worked is £31.85. The area is highly affordable, with the lowest rent-to-wage ratio of 22.94%, though only 30.2% of residents hold NVQ4+ qualifications. The life satisfaction score is 7.42.
13. Southwark
Southwark ranks thirteenth from the bottom, with 2,825 new enterprises in 2021 and a 0.35% growth in business counts. The business survival rate is 32.28%, and the GVA per hour worked is £42.43. The area has a high rent-to-wage ratio of 61.98%, with 57.2% of residents holding NVQ4+ qualifications. The life satisfaction score is 7.32.
14. Rochdale
Rochdale ranks fourteenth from the bottom, with 1,075 new enterprises in 2021 and a 1.60% growth in business counts. The business survival rate is 33.04%, and the GVA per hour worked is £30.17. The area is affordable, with a rent-to-wage ratio of 29.09%, though only 31.3% of residents hold NVQ4+ qualifications. The life satisfaction score is 7.42.
15. Halton
Halton ranks fifteenth-worst, with 545 new enterprises in 2021 and a slight decline in business counts (-0.08%). The business survival rate is 34.40%, and the GVA per hour worked is £40.56. The area is affordable, with a rent-to-wage ratio of 27.28%, though only 30.3% of residents hold NVQ4+ qualifications. The life satisfaction score is 7.34.
16. Manchester
Manchester ranks sixteenth from the bottom, with 4,245 new enterprises in 2021 and a 0.88% growth in business counts. The business survival rate is 26.36%, and the GVA per hour worked is £36.04. The area has a high rent-to-wage ratio of 43.24%, though 45.1% of residents hold NVQ4+ qualifications. The life satisfaction score is 7.45.
17. North East Lincolnshire
North East Lincolnshire ranks seventeenth from the bottom, with 580 new enterprises in 2021 and a 0.54% growth in business counts. The business survival rate is 38.46%, and the GVA per hour worked is £29.22. The area is highly affordable, with a rent-to-wage ratio of 24.14%, though only 23.6% of residents hold NVQ4+ qualifications. The life satisfaction score is 7.38.
18. Knowsley
Knowsley ranks eighteenth from the bottom, with 560 new enterprises in 2021 and a 0.54% growth in business counts. The business survival rate is 36.11%, and the GVA per hour worked is £33.41. The area is moderately affordable, with a rent-to-wage ratio of 28.68%, though only 31.2% of residents hold NVQ4+ qualifications. The life satisfaction score is 7.36.
19. Nottingham
Nottingham ranks nineteenth from the bottom, with 1,350 new enterprises in 2021 and a 1.13% growth in business counts. The business survival rate is 40.21%, and the GVA per hour worked is £32.77. The rent-to-wage ratio is 38.66%, with 41.9% of residents holding NVQ4+ qualifications. Nottingham’s life satisfaction score is 7.25.
20. Walsall
Walsall ranks twentieth-worst, with 1,535 new enterprises in 2021 and a 1.67% growth in business counts. The business survival rate is 37.10%, and the GVA per hour worked is £28.66. The area is moderately affordable, with a rent-to-wage ratio of 32.48%, though only 26.9% of residents hold NVQ4+ qualifications. The life satisfaction score is 7.42.
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