Exeter ranks 37th of 361 local authorities in the UK Local Growth Index, with a composite score of 1,037, placing it 37 points above the UK benchmark. It leads Devon's 10 authorities and ranks 4th of 27 in the South West. Its strongest results come in Innovation and Investment, both placing it in the top 10% of authorities nationally.
Exeter's composite score of 1,037 is built from four pillars: Innovation, Scaling, Investment and ESG, weighted 30%, 30%, 30% and 10% respectively.
The index measures the characteristics of active companies in each authority, with corporate groups counted once. Because scores are averaged across those companies rather than summed, a smaller authority with highly active businesses can rank alongside much larger ones, making this a fair comparison between places of different sizes.
The UK as a whole scores 1,000, so Exeter's score of 1,037 puts it 37 points above that benchmark. Each score also comes with a likely range, which shows how much the score could move with a slightly different mix of companies; a score is only published when that range is narrow enough to rely on, and Exeter's range of 1,016–1,058 meets that standard.
South 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 Exeter's composite score of 1,037 is built up, pillar by pillar.
Innovation
1,053
Well above average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
+53 points against the UK · Likely range 1,022–1,084 · 30% of the composite
Innovation covers granted patent families filed recently, R&D grant value, academic spinout status, innovative sector tags and IS-8 sector tags. Exeter scores 1,053 on this pillar, 53 points above the UK benchmark, ranking 34th of 361 authorities and placing it in the top 10% nationally. Its companies are measurably more active across the innovation measures than the UK 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
1,007
Above average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
+7 points against the UK · Likely range 981–1,033 · 30% of the composite
The Scaling pillar captures scaleup status, headcount growth and accelerator attendance. Exeter scores 1,007 here, just 7 points above the UK benchmark, and ranks 130th of 360 authorities. While it remains above the national benchmark, this is its weakest pillar relative to both the UK and its other scores.
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
1,034
Well above average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
+34 points against the UK · Likely range 996–1,072 · 30% of the composite
Investment measures equity raising activity, the value of equity raised and first-time raisers over the last five years. Exeter's Investment score of 1,034 ranks 33rd of 360 authorities, placing it in the top 10% nationally and 34 points above the UK benchmark. This is Exeter's highest-ranking pillar, reflecting strong equity activity among its companies.
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
1,090
Well above average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
+90 points against the UK · Likely range 1,064–1,116 · 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. Exeter scores 1,090, placing it 90 points above the UK benchmark and ranking 45th of 361 authorities. Its companies outperform 87.5% of authorities on these measures, a notably strong result for a pillar that carries a 10% weight in the composite.
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 Devon
The chart below shows how Exeter's composite score compares with neighbouring authorities in Devon.
What is Exeter's score in the UK Local Growth Index?
Exeter has a composite score of 1,037, placing it 37 points above the UK benchmark of 1,000 and 37th of 361 local authorities nationally.
How does Exeter rank within Devon?
Exeter ranks 1st of the 10 authorities in Devon, with a composite score 44 points above the county score of 993.
How does Exeter compare to the South West region?
Exeter ranks 4th of 27 authorities in the South West, scoring 31 points above the regional score of 1,006.
Which pillar is Exeter strongest on?
Exeter's highest-ranking pillar is Investment, where it ranks 33rd of 360 authorities and scores 34 points above the UK benchmark, placing it in the top 10% nationally.
What does the likely range on Exeter's score mean?
The likely range of 1,016–1,058 shows how much the composite score could move with a slightly different mix of companies. Scores are only published when this range is narrow enough to be relied on.
How many companies are included in Exeter's score?
The score is based on 7,634 active companies in Exeter, 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.
