New Forest scores 985 on the UK Local Growth Index, placing it 144th of 361 local authorities and 15 points below the UK benchmark. Its strongest result is on ESG, where it ranks 79th nationally, while investment is the area where it sits furthest below the UK average.
Each pillar score is averaged across the district's 9,554 active companies, with corporate groups counted once. That averaging means the index reflects how active local companies are on each measure, not the sheer size of the local economy, which makes it a fair basis for comparing authorities of very different scales.
The UK benchmark is set at 1,000, so a score of 985 places New Forest marginally below the national average. The likely range for this composite score runs from 972 to 998, 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 New Forest's composite score of 985 is built up, pillar by pillar.
Innovation
986
Above average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
−14 points against the UK · Likely range 967–1,005 · 30% of the composite
Innovation is measured through granted patent families, academic spinout status, R&D grant value, presence in innovative sectors, and coverage across the IS-8 sectors. New Forest scores 986 on this pillar, 14 points below the UK benchmark, ranking 134th of 361 authorities and outperforming 62.9% of them, a position just below 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
1,010
Above average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
+10 points against the UK · Likely range 986–1,034 · 30% of the composite
The Scaling pillar captures whether companies are growing headcount rapidly, whether they have attended an accelerator, and whether they qualify as scaleups. At 1,010, New Forest sits 10 points above the UK benchmark and ranks 108th of 360 authorities, outperforming 70.0% of them, a solid showing that indicates its companies are adding staff at a pace modestly ahead of 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
930
Below average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
−70 points against the UK · Likely range 906–954 · 30% of the composite
Investment covers whether companies raised equity in the last five years, how much they raised, and whether they made their first-ever equity deal in that period. With a score of 930, New Forest is 70 points below the UK benchmark and ranks 235th of 360 authorities, the district's weakest result and the area where it has the most ground to make up relative to peers.
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
1,068
Above average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
+68 points against the UK · Likely range 1,049–1,087 · 10% of the composite
ESG looks at clean energy activity, other green activity, environmental accolades, social and governance signals, and not-for-profit proxy status. New Forest's score of 1,068 is 68 points above the UK benchmark, ranking 79th of 361 authorities and outperforming 78.1% of them, the district's strongest pillar by a clear margin.
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 Hampshire
The chart below places New Forest's composite score alongside its neighbouring authorities in Hampshire, where it ranks 9th of 13 districts with a score 15 points below the county average of 1,000.
What is New Forest's score on the UK Local Growth Index?
New Forest scores 985, placing it 144th of 361 local authorities and 15 points below the UK benchmark of 1,000.
How does New Forest compare to the rest of Hampshire?
New Forest ranks 9th of 13 authorities in Hampshire and scores 15 points below the county average of 1,000.
Which pillar is New Forest strongest on?
ESG is New Forest's strongest pillar, with a score of 1,068, placing it 79th nationally and 68 points above the UK benchmark.
Where does New Forest rank on investment activity?
New Forest ranks 235th of 360 authorities on Investment, scoring 930, which is 70 points below the UK benchmark. This is its weakest pillar.
How does New Forest perform on business scaling?
On Scaling, New Forest ranks 108th of 360 authorities with a score of 1,010, putting it 10 points above the UK benchmark and ahead of 70.0% of authorities.
How many active companies does the New Forest index score cover?
The index covers 9,554 active companies in New Forest, 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.
