“Unleash the West of England to power up UK growth” – The Brunel Centre publishes the Strategic Economic Audit of the West of England
The Brunel Centre today releases its first major publication, a Strategic Economic Audit of the West of England. The headline finding shows that the region possesses exceptional potential and is one of the UK’s most dynamic regional economies, but is limited by structural constraints.
Compiled by researchers at the University of Bath, the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) and Futures West, the Economic Audit covers Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset. It draws on official data from the Office for National Statistics and other sources, supplemented with primary qualitative research including interviews with local business leaders.
Launching the audit report at the Festival of Flourishing Regions in Bristol today, Dr Lucy Martin, Director of the Brunel Centre, says: “The evidence is unequivocal: the West of England is one of the UK’s most dynamic regional economies, with growth significantly exceeding the national average since 2008. But the conditions underpinning that success are under strain – addressing these pressures with coordinated, long-term action is essential. Unleashing the West of England could see the region reach its potential and power the UK’s growth.”
Collective action needed to build sustainable growth – key findings
The Economic Audit’s key recommendation calls for the region to work collectively across the public, private and voluntary sectors to focus on productivity‑led growth, facilitate stronger pathways into employment, take region‑wide action on housing, transport, skills and inequalities, and accelerate the net zero transition.
By addressing these constraints, the researchers say the West of England can translate its strong economic fundamentals into a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable model of long‑term growth for the region and the UK.
Other key findings include:
The West of England became the most productive Combined Authority area in England outside London in 2023. Its post-pandemic recovery has also been markedly stronger than the UK average.
Export strength: the region generates exports worth £9.5 billion and runs a trade surplus, in contrast to the UK overall.
The region is home to world-leading innovation clusters, as well as strong knowledge-intensive, digital and creative industries.
A strong but place-specific labour market: The cities of Bristol and Bath are magnets for skilled workers, students and young professionals. Nearly half of residents have degree-level qualifications, one of the highest rates in England.
Surrounding areas experience higher underemployment and struggle to retain skilled professionals in specific sectors.
Transport is a ‘defining challenge’: congestion in the cities ranks among the worst in the UK, with unreliable, slow and poorly integrated public transport.
Housing and digital access issues: Housing affordability and shortages and inconsistent digital access are directly limiting growth and inclusion.
Localised pressures from child poverty to youth mental health demand are increasing, leading to untapped potential across the region.
Climate and environmental pressures: transport dominates overall greenhouse gas emissions, delivery of domestic retrofits to decarbonise homes is below target, and ecological decline threatens long-term resilience.
Dr Lucy Martin adds: “We are proud to be adding a strong new economic capability to the West of England today by releasing our first Strategic Economic Audit and launching our Data Hub and Observatory. Our research gives the clearest picture yet of West of England’s economy: this is a great place to live and work, with a strong-performing economy. The fact we’ve had recent successes, while pockets of deprivation remain, make the West of England a natural place to explore how growth can power social mobility.”
Andrea Dell, Director of Futures West at Business West, says: “This is an important stocktake of the region. We know this is the level of insight that policymakers and businesses need to justify their decision to invest. Investment in the West of England will yield strong returns, not just for the region, but also for the wider UK. Money invested here will help drive national growth and innovation. It is also clear that our regional stakeholders must work together to address these issues, as no single organisation can do this alone. Over the past year we have seen real momentum build in promoting the West of England Growth Strategy. I’m excited by what our region can achieve by using this evidence to strengthen the case to invest here, driving economic growth and improved living standards.”
Dr Damian Whittard, Associate Professor of Economics at UWE Bristol, said: “The Strategic Economic Audit shows that the West of England is a strong and vibrant region with enormous potential. Our research highlights the need for inclusive and sustainable economic growth within the region that supports the transition to net zero. Tackling inequality and spatial disparities, improving transport and connectivity, and delivering shared prosperity across communities is central to unlocking the region’s potential.”
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, says: “As we continue working together to deliver our ambitious Growth Strategy, reinforced by the Brunel Centre’s Strategic Economic Audit, the West of England is well-placed to secure greater investment to improve transport, build homes, and create new jobs. It is also wonderful to see the Festival of Flourishing Regions once again taking place today here in the country’s fastest growing regional economy – which is also the most productive outside of the capital.”
The launch of the Strategic Economic Audit marks an important step in strengthening the region’s decision-making foundations. As the region looks ahead, the Brunel Centre is positioned to help businesses, policymakers and partners navigate both current and future challenges with robust evidence and actionable insight.
If your organisation would benefit from clearer intelligence, stronger strategy or a deeper understanding of the West of England economy, please get in touch.