Salford scores 979 on the UK Local Growth Index, placing it 168th of 361 authorities and 21 points below the UK benchmark of 1,000. It sits 3 points above the Greater Manchester average and 6 points above the North West average. Its Scaling score is the closest to the UK benchmark of its four pillars, while ESG is the relative weak point.
Each score is an average across local companies, so it reflects how active those companies are on each measure rather than the sheer size of the local economy. That makes it a fair basis for comparing authorities of very different scales.
The UK benchmark is set at 1,000, so any authority scoring above or below that mark is directly readable against the national average. Salford's composite of 979 sits 21 points below that benchmark. The likely range of 969 to 989 shows how much the score could move with a slightly different mix of companies; because that range is narrow enough to be reliable, the score is published.
North West
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 Salford's composite score of 979 is built up, pillar by pillar.
Innovation
981
Average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
−19 points against the UK · Likely range 968–994 · 30% of the composite
Innovation captures patents, academic spinout status, R&D grant value, presence in innovative sectors and coverage of IS-8 sectors. Salford ranks 154th of 361 authorities on this pillar, scoring 981, which is 19 points below the UK benchmark, suggesting its companies are somewhat less active on these innovation signals than the national average.
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
1,001
Average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
+1 points against the UK · Likely range 984–1,018 · 30% of the composite
Scaling covers whether companies are 20% scaleups, their headcount growth over recent years, and accelerator attendance. At 1,001, Salford's Scaling score sits 1 point above the UK benchmark, ranking 153rd of 360 authorities. That near-parity with the national average makes this the pillar where Salford's companies perform closest to the UK norm.
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
955
Above average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
−45 points against the UK · Likely range 935–975 · 30% of the composite
Investment measures equity raisers, the value of equity raised and first-time raisers over the last five years. Salford ranks 142nd of 360 on this pillar, outperforming 60.6% of authorities, yet its score of 955 remains 45 points below the UK benchmark, pointing to a gap in equity activity relative to the national picture.
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
977
Below average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
−23 points against the UK · Likely range 964–990 · 10% of the composite
The ESG pillar covers clean energy activity, other green activity, environmental accolades, social and governance signals, and a not-for-profit proxy. Salford's ESG score of 977 places it 283rd of 361 authorities, outperforming only 21.6% of the country, and sits 23 points below the UK benchmark. This is the area where Salford's companies show the least alignment with the measures the pillar tracks.
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 Greater Manchester
The chart below shows how Salford's composite score and pillar scores compare with its neighbours across Greater Manchester.
What is Salford's score on the UK Local Growth Index?
Salford scores 979 on the composite index, placing it 168th of 361 UK local authorities and 21 points below the UK benchmark of 1,000.
How does Salford compare with the rest of Greater Manchester?
Salford ranks 3rd of the 10 authorities in Greater Manchester, scoring 3 points above the county average of 976. Manchester leads the county with a score of 1,015.
How does Salford rank in the North West region?
Salford ranks 8th of 35 authorities in the North West and scores 6 points above the regional average of 973.
Which pillar is Salford's strongest?
Investment is Salford's highest-ranking pillar, placing 142nd of 360 authorities and outperforming 60.6% of the country, though its score of 955 still sits 45 points below the UK benchmark.
Where does Salford score lowest?
ESG is Salford's lowest-ranked pillar, at 283rd of 361 authorities, outperforming only 21.6% of the country. It covers clean energy, other green activity, environmental accolades, social and governance signals, and a not-for-profit proxy.
How many companies does Salford's score cover?
The index covers 18,272 active companies in Salford, 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.
