Woking ranks 81st of 361 local authorities in the UK Local Growth Index, with a composite score of 1,009, placing it 9 points above the UK benchmark. Innovation is its strongest pillar, ranking 50th nationally. Investment is the one area where it falls below the UK benchmark.
Woking's composite score of 1,009 is built from four pillars: Innovation, Scaling, Investment and ESG, weighted at 30%, 30%, 30% and 10% respectively, across 6,812 active companies with corporate groups counted once.
Because each score is averaged across a local authority's companies rather than totalled, the index reflects how active local companies are on each measure, not the sheer size of the local economy. That makes it a fair basis for comparing authorities of very different scales.
The UK as a whole scores 1,000 on the fixed benchmark, so Woking's 1,009 places it marginally ahead of the national average. The likely range for this composite score runs from 991 to 1,027, showing 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.
South East
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 Woking's composite score of 1,009 is built up, pillar by pillar.
Innovation
1,034
Well above average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
+34 points against the UK · Likely range 1,007–1,061 · 30% of the composite
Innovation covers patents, academic spinouts, R&D grant value, innovative sector tags and IS-8 sector tags. Woking ranks 50th of 361 authorities on this pillar, scoring 1,034, which is 34 points above the UK benchmark, placing it in the top 20% nationally and ahead of 86.1% of all authorities.
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
1,021
Well above average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
+21 points against the UK · Likely range 994–1,048 · 30% of the composite
The Scaling pillar measures scaleups, headcount growth and accelerator participation. Woking ranks 72nd of 360 authorities with a score of 1,021, sitting 21 points above the UK benchmark and in the top 20% nationally, suggesting its companies are adding staff and reaching growth milestones at a rate noticeably ahead of 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
974
Above average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
−26 points against the UK · Likely range 941–1,007 · 30% of the composite
Investment captures equity raisers, equity raised and first-time raisers over the last five years. At 974, Woking's investment score is 26 points below the UK benchmark, ranking 92nd of 360 authorities. Despite outperforming 74.4% of all authorities, this is the one pillar where Woking trails the national average.
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
999
Below average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
−1 points against the UK · Likely range 977–1,021 · 10% of the composite
The ESG pillar looks at clean energy activity, other green activity, environmental accolades, social and governance signals, and not-for-profit proxy status. Woking scores 999 here, just 1 point below the UK benchmark, ranking 219th of 361 authorities and outperforming 39.3% of all authorities, making this its weakest pillar relative to peers.
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 Surrey
The chart below compares Woking's composite score with those of its neighbouring authorities in Surrey.
What is Woking's score in the UK Local Growth Index?
Woking scores 1,009 on the UK Local Growth Index, placing it 9 points above the UK benchmark of 1,000 and 81st of 361 local authorities nationally.
How does Woking compare to other authorities in Surrey?
Woking ranks 4th of 11 authorities in Surrey, scoring 7 points above the county average of 1,002. The highest-scoring authority in Surrey is Guildford, at 1,087.
How does Woking rank in the South East region?
Woking ranks 21st of 64 authorities in the South East, with a composite score 6 points above the regional average of 1,003.
Which pillar is strongest for Woking?
Innovation is Woking's strongest pillar, with a score of 1,034, ranking 50th of 361 authorities and placing it in the top 20% nationally.
Where does Woking underperform against the UK benchmark?
Woking's Investment score of 974 is 26 points below the UK benchmark, making it the only pillar where the authority trails the national average.
How many companies are counted in Woking's score?
The index covers 6,812 active companies in Woking, with corporate groups counted once rather than as each of their 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.
