Norwich ranks 57th of 361 local authorities in the UK Local Growth Index, with a composite score of 1,017, placing it 17 points above the UK benchmark. Its strongest result comes on Scaling, where it ranks 36th nationally and outperforms 90% of all authorities. Investment is the one area where it sits below the UK benchmark, at 17 points under.
Norwich's composite score of 1,017 is built from four pillars: Innovation, Scaling, Investment and ESG, weighted at 30%, 30%, 30% and 10% respectively.
Each score is averaged across the authority's active companies, with corporate groups counted once. That averaging means a smaller authority with highly active companies can outscore a larger one, making this a fair comparison between places of very different sizes.
The UK as a whole scores 1,000, so Norwich's score of 1,017 sits 17 points above that benchmark. The likely range for the composite, 1,003 to 1,031, shows how much the score could shift with a slightly different mix of companies; a score is only published when that range is narrow enough to rely on.
East of England
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 Norwich's composite score of 1,017 is built up, pillar by pillar.
Innovation
1,014
Above average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
+14 points against the UK · Likely range 994–1,034 · 30% of the composite
Innovation captures patents, academic spinouts, R&D grant value, and whether companies operate in innovative or IS-8 sectors. Norwich scores 1,014 on this pillar, 14 points above the UK benchmark, ranking 80th of 361 authorities and placing it in the top 25% nationally.
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
1,041
Well above average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
+41 points against the UK · Likely range 1,017–1,065 · 30% of the composite
The Scaling pillar measures scaleups, headcount growth and accelerator participation. At 1,041, Norwich sits 41 points above the UK benchmark and ranks 36th of 360 authorities, meaning its companies are adding staff and scaling noticeably faster than most of the country.
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
983
Above average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
−17 points against the UK · Likely range 954–1,012 · 30% of the composite
Investment covers equity raisers, the amount of equity raised and first-time raisers, all over the last five years. Norwich's score of 983 is 17 points below the UK benchmark, the one area where it falls short of the national average, though it still ranks 77th of 360 authorities.
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
1,057
Above average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
+57 points against the UK · Likely range 1,038–1,076 · 10% of the composite
ESG reflects clean energy activity, other green activity, environmental accolades, social and governance signals, and not-for-profit proxies. Norwich scores 1,057, some 57 points above the UK benchmark, and ranks 91st of 361 authorities, placing it in the top third nationally on this measure.
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 Norfolk
The chart below compares Norwich's composite score with neighbouring authorities across Norfolk and the East of England.
What is Norwich's score in the UK Local Growth Index?
Norwich has a composite score of 1,017, placing it 17 points above the UK benchmark of 1,000. It ranks 57th of 361 local authorities.
How does Norwich compare to the rest of Norfolk?
Norwich ranks 2nd of the 7 authorities in Norfolk and scores 21 points above the county average of 996.
How does Norwich compare to the East of England region?
Norwich ranks 7th of 45 authorities in the East of England and scores 26 points above the regional average of 991.
Which pillar is Norwich strongest on?
Norwich's strongest pillar is Scaling, where it scores 1,041, ranks 36th of 360 authorities, and outperforms 90% of all authorities. This reflects the pace at which its companies are growing their headcount and reaching scaleup status.
Where does Norwich score below the UK average?
Investment is the one pillar where Norwich falls below the UK benchmark, scoring 983, which is 17 points under. This reflects relatively lower levels of equity raising activity among its companies compared with the national average.
How many companies are counted in Norwich's scores?
Norwich's scores are based on 9,528 active companies, with corporate groups counted once rather than as individual registered entities.
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.
