Newport scores 972 on the UK Local Growth Index, placing it 202nd of 361 authorities and 28 points below the UK benchmark of 1,000. Its strongest result is on Investment, where it ranks 109th nationally, outperforming more than two-thirds of authorities. Innovation is the area where Newport sits furthest below the UK average.
Each score is averaged across a place's companies, so it reflects how active local companies are rather than how large the local economy is. That makes it a fair comparison between authorities of very different sizes.
The UK as a whole scores 1,000 by design, so Newport's score of 972 sits 28 points below that national benchmark. Every score also comes with a likely range, which shows how much the result could shift with a slightly different mix of companies; a score is only published when that range is narrow enough to rely on, and Newport's range of 957 to 987 meets that standard.
Wales
Each dot shows the pillar score on a scale where the UK as a whole scores 1,000, marked by the line. The paler band is the likely range. The composite weights Innovation, Scaling and Investment 30% each and ESG 10%.
How Newport's composite score of 972 is built up, pillar by pillar.
Innovation
953
Below average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
−47 points against the UK · Likely range 933–973 · 30% of the composite
Innovation covers patents, academic spinouts, R&D grant value, innovative sector tags and IS-8 sector membership. Newport scores 953 on this pillar, 47 points below the UK benchmark, ranking 246th of 361 authorities and outperforming just under a third of places nationally. This points to relatively limited patenting activity, R&D grant capture and spinout presence among Newport's companies compared with the UK as a whole.
Tagged with any industry or buzzword on a curated list of innovative sectors, for example chips, biotechnology, quantum, AI, data, SaaS, FinTech and CleanTech. About 2.5% of companies.
Tagged with any of the eight IS-8 sectors: advanced manufacturing, clean energy, creative industries, digital and technologies, financial services, life sciences, professional and business services, and defence. About 18% of companies.
We publish a score for each pillar, not for the measures inside it. The percentage beside each measure is how much it counts towards the pillar score. Select the lock to see the companies behind a measure on the Beauhurst platform.
Scaling
990
Average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
−10 points against the UK · Likely range 966–1,014 · 30% of the composite
The Scaling pillar measures scaleup status, headcount growth and accelerator attendance. Newport's score of 990 is only 10 points below the UK benchmark, and at 205th of 360 it sits close to the national midpoint. Newport's companies are adding staff and achieving high-growth signals at a rate broadly in line with the UK average.
Annualised three-year employee growth rate over the latest four years of accounts, including group accounts, for companies with five or more employees at the start (capped). All other companies count as zero.
We publish a score for each pillar, not for the measures inside it. The percentage beside each measure is how much it counts towards the pillar score. Select the lock to see the companies behind a measure on the Beauhurst platform.
Investment
967
Above average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
−33 points against the UK · Likely range 937–997 · 30% of the composite
Investment captures equity raisers, the value of equity raised and first-time raisers over the last five years. At 967, Newport is 33 points below the UK benchmark, yet this is its strongest pillar: it ranks 109th of 360 authorities and outperforms 69.7% of places. Newport's companies are drawing equity finance at a relatively competitive rate for a Welsh authority.
Whether the company's first equity deal ever was in the last five years. A first-time raiser always counts as an equity raiser too.
We publish a score for each pillar, not for the measures inside it. The percentage beside each measure is how much it counts towards the pillar score. Select the lock to see the companies behind a measure on the Beauhurst platform.
ESG
988
Below average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
−12 points against the UK · Likely range 969–1,007 · 10% of the composite
The ESG pillar reflects clean energy activity, other green activity, environmental accolades, social and governance signals, and not-for-profit proxy status. Newport scores 988 here, 12 points below the UK benchmark, and ranks 253rd of 361 authorities. Although this is the pillar on which Newport outperforms the fewest peers, the gap to the UK benchmark is modest at 12 points.
Is limited by guarantee without share capital, a rough indicator of non-profit status.
We publish a score for each pillar, not for the measures inside it. The percentage beside each measure is how much it counts towards the pillar score. Select the lock to see the companies behind a measure on the Beauhurst platform.
Compared to Wales
The chart below shows how Newport's composite score and pillar scores compare with those of its neighbouring authorities in Wales.
What is Newport's overall Local Growth Index score?
Newport scores 972 on the UK Local Growth Index, placing it 202nd of 361 local authorities. That is 28 points below the UK benchmark of 1,000.
How does Newport rank within Wales?
Newport ranks 16th of 22 Welsh authorities, scoring 24 points below the Wales average of 996. Cardiff is the top-scoring Welsh authority at 1,047.
Which pillar is Newport strongest on?
Investment is Newport's strongest pillar. It ranks 109th of 360 authorities on this measure, outperforming 69.7% of places across the UK.
How many companies are counted in Newport's score?
The score covers 7,787 active companies, with corporate groups counted once rather than as each of their registered entities.
What does Newport's Innovation score reflect?
The Innovation pillar covers patents, academic spinouts, R&D grant value, innovative sector tags and IS-8 sector membership. Newport scores 953, ranking 246th of 361 authorities and sitting 47 points below the UK benchmark.
What is the likely range for Newport's composite score?
The likely range for Newport's composite score is 957 to 987. This shows how much the score could shift with a slightly different mix of companies, and the range is narrow enough for the score to be published with confidence.
Explore the data behind the index
Every score on this page is built from real, named company activity, patent filings, fundraisings, spinouts and scaleups. Book a call to see the data behind any authority's score, and how Beauhurst can support your work.
