Perth and Kinross scores 1,004 on the UK Local Growth Index, placing it 90th of 361 local authorities and 4 points above the UK benchmark. Its strongest result is a striking ESG score that ranks 12th nationally, well clear of almost all Scottish peers. Innovation and Investment sit modestly below the UK benchmark, keeping the composite close to the national average.
The composite score for Perth and Kinross is built from four pillars: Innovation, Scaling, Investment and ESG, weighted 30%, 30%, 30% and 10% respectively, each measured against a fixed UK benchmark of 1,000.
Each pillar score is averaged across the area's 6,231 active companies, with corporate groups counted once. That averaging means the index reflects how active local companies are on each measure rather than the sheer size of the local economy, which makes it a fair basis for comparing authorities of very different scales.
A score above 1,000 means Perth and Kinross sits above the UK average on that measure; a score below means it trails it. The likely range shown alongside each score indicates how much the result could shift with a slightly different mix of companies, and a score is only published when that range is narrow enough to rely on.
Scotland
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 Perth and Kinross's composite score of 1,004 is built up, pillar by pillar.
Innovation
977
Average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
−23 points against the UK · Likely range 953–1,001 · 30% of the composite
Innovation captures patents, academic spinouts, R&D grant value, innovative sector tags and IS-8 sector presence. At 977, Perth and Kinross sits 23 points below the UK benchmark on this pillar, ranking 164th of 361 authorities, placing it in the middle half of all authorities nationally and suggesting limited concentration of patent-holding or heavily grant-funded activity among its companies.
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
1,013
Above average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
+13 points against the UK · Likely range 981–1,045 · 30% of the composite
Scaling measures whether companies are high-growth scaleups, their headcount growth rate and accelerator participation. Perth and Kinross ranks 98th of 360 authorities here, 13 points above the UK benchmark, indicating its companies are adding staff at a rate that comfortably outpaces the national average and putting it in the top third of all authorities.
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
973
Above average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
−27 points against the UK · Likely range 939–1,007 · 30% of the composite
Investment covers equity raisers, the value of equity raised and first-time raisers over the last five years. Perth and Kinross scores 973 on this pillar, 27 points below the UK benchmark, yet still ranks 95th of 360 authorities, reflecting that equity activity among its companies, while below the national average in intensity, is broadly comparable with most of the country.
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
1,153
Well above average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
+153 points against the UK · Likely range 1,116–1,190 · 10% of the composite
ESG looks at clean energy activity, other green activity, environmental accolades, social and governance signals, and not-for-profit proxies. Perth and Kinross ranks 12th of 361 authorities here, scoring 1,153 and sitting 153 points above the UK benchmark, outperforming 96.7% of all authorities. That places it comfortably in the top 5% nationally and makes ESG by far its strongest pillar.
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 Scotland
The chart below compares Perth and Kinross's composite score of 1,004 against its Scottish neighbours, including Orkney Islands, the next-highest scorer in Scotland at 1,169.
What is Perth and Kinross's overall Local Growth Index score?
Perth and Kinross scores 1,004, placing it 90th of 361 UK local authorities and 4 points above the UK benchmark of 1,000.
How does Perth and Kinross compare to the rest of Scotland?
It ranks 9th of 32 Scottish authorities with a score 12 points above the Scottish average of 992.
Which pillar is Perth and Kinross strongest on?
ESG is its strongest pillar by a clear margin, scoring 1,153 and ranking 12th of 361 authorities, putting it in the top 5% nationally.
How does Perth and Kinross perform on Innovation?
Innovation is its weakest pillar, scoring 977 and sitting 23 points below the UK benchmark, ranking 164th of 361 authorities.
How many companies are counted in the Perth and Kinross score?
The index covers 6,231 active companies in Perth and Kinross, with corporate groups counted once rather than as separate registered entities.
What does the likely range mean for Perth and Kinross's scores?
The likely range shows how much each score could shift with a slightly different mix of companies. All four pillar scores and the composite are published because their ranges are narrow enough to be reliable.
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.
