Swansea scores 1,005 on the UK Local Growth Index, placing it 87th of 361 local authorities and 5 points above the UK benchmark. Its strongest result is on Innovation, where it ranks 56th nationally. Investment is the area where it sits furthest below the UK benchmark.
The index measures the characteristics of the 11,039 active companies based in Swansea, with corporate groups counted once. Because each score is an average across those companies rather than a total, authorities of very different sizes can be compared on equal terms.
The UK as a whole scores 1,000, so Swansea's composite of 1,005 places it just above that benchmark. Each score also comes with a likely range showing how much it could move with a slightly different mix of companies; a score is only published when that range is narrow enough to rely on, and Swansea's composite range of 990 to 1,020 meets that threshold.
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 Swansea's composite score of 1,005 is built up, pillar by pillar.
Innovation
1,031
Well above average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
+31 points against the UK · Likely range 1,003–1,059 · 30% of the composite
Innovation captures patents, R&D grant value, academic spinout status, and whether companies operate in innovative or IS-8 sectors. Swansea ranks 56th of 361 authorities on this pillar, with a score of 1,031, placing it 31 points above the UK benchmark and in the top 20% nationally. That puts it ahead of 84.5% of all authorities, suggesting its companies show meaningfully stronger innovation signals than most of the country.
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
1,012
Above average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
+12 points against the UK · Likely range 989–1,035 · 30% of the composite
The Scaling pillar measures scaleup status, headcount growth and accelerator participation. Swansea scores 1,012 here, 12 points above the UK benchmark, ranking 104th of 360 authorities. It outperforms 71.1% of authorities, indicating that its companies are adding staff and reaching scaleup thresholds at a rate modestly ahead of the national 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
960
Above average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
−40 points against the UK · Likely range 935–985 · 30% of the composite
Investment covers equity raised, whether companies raised equity in the last five years, and whether they are first-time raisers. At 960, Swansea's Investment score sits 40 points below the UK benchmark, ranking 127th of 360 authorities. This is the weakest of its four pillars, pointing to companies in the area drawing on equity investment less frequently or in smaller amounts than the UK norm.
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
1,042
Above average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
+42 points against the UK · Likely range 1,023–1,061 · 10% of the composite
The ESG pillar reflects clean energy activity, other green activity, environmental accolades, social and governance signals, and not-for-profit proxies. Swansea scores 1,042 on ESG, 42 points above the UK benchmark, and ranks 109th of 361 authorities. It outperforms 69.8% of authorities on this pillar, suggesting its companies carry relatively strong environmental and social signals.
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 Swansea's composite score of 1,005 compares with its neighbouring authorities in Wales, where the regional score is 996.
What is Swansea's score on the UK Local Growth Index?
Swansea scores 1,005, placing it 87th of 361 local authorities and 5 points above the UK benchmark of 1,000.
How does Swansea compare with the rest of Wales?
Swansea scores 9 points above the Wales regional score of 996, ranking 7th of the 22 authorities in the region.
What is Swansea's strongest pillar on the index?
Innovation is Swansea's highest-scoring pillar, at 1,031 and ranked 56th nationally, putting it in the top 20% of all 361 authorities.
Where does Swansea rank for Investment?
Investment is Swansea's weakest pillar, with a score of 960, which is 40 points below the UK benchmark, ranking 127th of 360 authorities.
How reliable is Swansea's index score?
Each score comes with a likely range. Swansea's composite likely range is 990 to 1,020, which is narrow enough for the score to be published and relied upon.
How many companies does Swansea's score cover?
The score is based on 11,039 active companies in Swansea, with corporate groups counted once rather than as separate 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.
