Bradford scores 940 on the UK Local Growth Index, placing it 328th of 361 local authorities and 60 points below the UK benchmark of 1,000. All four pillars score below the UK benchmark, with Investment the weakest and ESG the closest to the national level. Within West Yorkshire, Bradford ranks 5th of 5 authorities.
Each score is calculated by averaging across all active companies in the area, with corporate groups counted once. That approach means a place with 30,714 active companies can be compared fairly with much smaller or larger authorities, because the score reflects how active local companies are rather than the sheer size of the local economy.
The UK as a whole scores 1,000, so Bradford's 940 sits 60 points below that national reference point. Every score also comes with a likely range, here 934 to 946, which shows how much the composite could move with a slightly different mix of companies. A score is only published when that range is narrow enough to rely on.
Yorkshire and The Humber
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 Bradford's composite score of 940 is built up, pillar by pillar.
Innovation
934
Well below average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
−66 points against the UK · Likely range 925–943 · 30% of the composite
Innovation captures patents granted in the last 20 years, academic spinout status, R&D grant value, and whether companies operate in innovative or IS-8 sectors. Bradford's Innovation score of 934 sits 66 points below the UK benchmark, placing it 310th of 361 authorities and indicating that companies here engage with these innovation signals less frequently 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
963
Well below average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
−37 points against the UK · Likely range 951–975 · 30% of the composite
The Scaling pillar measures scaleup status, headcount growth over a three-year period, and accelerator attendance. At 963, Bradford is 37 points below the UK benchmark and ranks 308th of 360 authorities, suggesting its companies are adding employees and reaching high-growth thresholds at a somewhat slower rate than the national picture.
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
910
Well below average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
−90 points against the UK · Likely range 898–922 · 30% of the composite
Investment covers equity raising activity, the total value of equity raised, and first-time equity raisers, all over the last five years. Bradford's score of 910 is the weakest of its four pillars, 90 points below the UK benchmark and 321st of 360 authorities, pointing to comparatively limited equity investment activity among its company base.
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
974
Well below average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
−26 points against the UK · Likely range 965–983 · 10% of the composite
The ESG pillar reflects clean energy activity, other green activity, environmental accolades, social and governance signals, and not-for-profit proxy status. Bradford's ESG score of 974 is its strongest pillar, 26 points below the UK benchmark and 289th of 361 authorities, outperforming approximately one in five authorities nationally.
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 West Yorkshire
The chart below places Bradford's composite score alongside its West Yorkshire neighbours, giving context to its 34-point gap below the county average of 974.
What is Bradford's score on the UK Local Growth Index?
Bradford scores 940 on the UK Local Growth Index, which is 60 points below the UK benchmark of 1,000. Its likely range of 934 to 946 is narrow enough for the score to be published with confidence.
How does Bradford compare with the rest of West Yorkshire?
Bradford ranks 5th of 5 authorities in West Yorkshire and sits 34 points below the county average of 974. Leeds is the county's highest-scoring authority, at 1,009.
Where does Bradford rank nationally?
Bradford ranks 328th of 361 local authorities on the composite score, placing it in the lower quarter of authorities across the UK.
Which pillar is Bradford's strongest?
ESG is Bradford's strongest pillar, scoring 974, which is 26 points below the UK benchmark. It ranks 289th of 361 authorities on this measure, outperforming around one in five authorities nationally.
Where is Bradford weakest on the Local Growth Index?
Investment is Bradford's lowest-scoring pillar at 910, which is 90 points below the UK benchmark and ranks 321st of 360 authorities. This reflects comparatively low equity raising activity among local companies.
How many companies are counted in Bradford's score?
Bradford's score is based on 30,714 active companies, 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.
