An independent, evidence-led assessment of the West of England economy, highlighting the region’s strengths, structural challenges and opportunities for long-term, sustainable and inclusive growth.

Households account for 20% of the West of England’s greenhouse gas emissions, mainly from heating and hot water generation. Interventions to update the existing building stock are key to reducing these emissions, but despite institutional commitments to retrofit, a profound mismatch persists between regional ambitions and operational delivery.

The West of England has a lower underemployment rate than the national average. This is largely explained by resident characteristics, with much of Bristol’s strength coming from lower underemployment among non-STEM graduates. Patterns across different local authorities reflect the mix of sectors based there and where people work rather than live.

Internal mobility is reshaping the West of England. Relocation patterns indicate that people are moving out of city centres and into surrounding areas. As jobs remain concentrated in cities, housing affordability and transport connectivity are essential to sustain the region’s productivity and retain skilled workers.

Breaking down the emissions profile of the West of England, a clear picture emerges. A small number of sectors account for the majority of emissions, while most of the region's workforce are employed in low-carbon activities.

Migration in the West of England has grown at a faster pace than other combined authorities in England, albeit from a lower base. Recent change has been shaped by non-European Union (EU) inflows and the rising number of international students, rather than long-established settlement.

Commuting patterns in the West of England show that Bristol is the main hub for jobs in the region. Both graduates and those with fewer qualifications often commute across local authority borders to work. This could weaken local economies as fewer workers are spending money in their home areas during the working week.

The West of England has a larger share of highly-educated residents than the rest of England – particularly those with university degrees in STEM subjects – which helps support a strong professional and skilled labour market. But there are clear differences between areas within the region, making the overall picture more varied and complex.

Heat decarbonisation is where climate policy comes home. For dense urban areas, heat networks can deliver heat, hot water and cooling at scale while improving efficiency and outcomes for residents. Navigating bureaucratic and financial hurdles will be crucial for successful delivery.

Air travel remains the highest emitting form of transport, but few alternatives to kerosene-based engine systems currently exist. Could hydrogen be a credible alternative, and how could research and innovation in the West of England support its adoption?