Bristol logistics warehouse proud to be part of strong economic performers

Bristol is leading the way as one of the strongest performing cities outside London, a report has revealed to the delight of Central Park, the logistics warehouse. The Centre for Cities report assesses cities across a range of economic indicators and Bristol performs consistently well.

Mayor George Ferguson said: “I have great respect for Centre for Cities and very much agree with their view that the English cities need more in the way of devolved powers and control over funding to ensure we make the most of our local strengths. Bristol is currently the only major city in England outside the South East to make a positive contribution to the UK economy. We are currently performing well and the future is bright for the private sector, not least with the gathering pace within the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone which is attracting national and international attention.” James Durie, executive director of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce added:  ”The strong overall economic performance of the city, which is one of the country’s best.”

Leaders of the city, which the report defines to include the northern fringe of Bristol which is within South Gloucestershire, point to the areas where Bristol stands out, including:

* An employment rate of 73 per cent, above the UK average of 71 per cent and best of all Core Cities and London.

* A business start-ups of 44 per 10,000 population, the joint highest outside London and ahead of the UK average of 42.

* The second highest proportion of residents with high level qualifications in 39 per cent, well ahead of the 34 per cent UK average.

* The joint lowest number of residents with no formal qualifications, at eight per cent.

The upbeat report follows other positive signs of Bristol’s economic vibrancy, such as the speculative office building in the city centre, which experts have hailed as a big boost to the economy and sign of investor confidence. Indeed Bristol has had numerous ministerial visits in recent months, as politicians seek out places where they can promote a feel good factor.

Alexandra Jones, chief executive of the report publishers the Centre for Cities, said Bristol: “Look to longer term trends which show that the city is one of our strongest performing and most resilient outside of London. Bristol has a track record of performing well in many of the issues we know matter for economic growth – wages, new business starts, unemployment and skills to name but a few.”

Source: Bristol Post