Torbay scores 966 on the UK Local Growth Index, placing it 233rd of 361 local authorities and 34 points below the UK benchmark. Its composite score sits within a likely range of 947 to 985. A strong ESG result is the standout feature of Torbay's profile, while Scaling is the area where its companies trail the UK most noticeably.
Torbay's composite score is built from four pillars: Innovation, Scaling, Investment and ESG, weighted at 30%, 30%, 30% and 10% respectively.
Each score is calculated by averaging across active companies in the area, with corporate groups counted once. That approach means a smaller authority with highly active companies can outscore a larger one, making it a fair basis for comparing authorities of very different sizes.
The UK as a whole scores 1,000, so Torbay's 966 places it just below the national average across its roughly 5,909 active companies. The likely range shows how much the score could shift with a slightly different mix of companies, and a score is only published when that range is narrow enough to be meaningful.
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 Torbay's composite score of 966 is built up, pillar by pillar.
Innovation
967
Average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
−33 points against the UK · Likely range 936–998 · 30% of the composite
Innovation measures patents, academic spinouts, R&D grant value, involvement in innovative sectors, and activity across the IS-8 sectors. Torbay ranks 201st of 361 authorities on this pillar, scoring 967, which is 33 points below the UK benchmark. Its companies outperform 44.3% of authorities, indicating broadly mid-table innovation activity.
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
952
Well below average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
−48 points against the UK · Likely range 923–981 · 30% of the composite
Scaling captures whether companies are high-growth scaleups, their headcount growth over recent years, and accelerator attendance. At 952, Torbay sits 48 points below the UK benchmark and ranks 333rd of 360 authorities, outperforming only 7.5% of peers. This is the area of greatest relative weakness in Torbay's profile.
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
929
Below average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
−71 points against the UK · Likely range 899–959 · 30% of the composite
Investment reflects whether companies have raised equity in the last five years, the value of that equity, and the presence of first-time raisers. Torbay's score of 929 is 71 points below the UK benchmark, placing it 250th of 360 authorities, with its companies outperforming 30.6% of the country on this measure.
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
1,120
Well above average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
+120 points against the UK · Likely range 1,094–1,146 · 10% of the composite
ESG covers clean energy activity, other green activity, environmental accolades, social and governance signals, and a not-for-profit proxy. Torbay ranks 21st of 361 authorities on ESG with a score of 1,120, putting it 120 points above the UK benchmark and in the top 10% nationally. Its companies outperform 94.2% of authorities on this pillar, making ESG a clear strength relative to the rest of the index.
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 Torbay's composite score compares with neighbouring authorities in Devon, where it ranks 9th of 10 authorities with a score 27 points below the county average of 993.
Torbay scores 966 on the UK Local Growth Index, within a likely range of 947 to 985. This places it 233rd of 361 local authorities and 34 points below the UK benchmark of 1,000.
How does Torbay compare with the rest of Devon?
Torbay ranks 9th of 10 authorities in Devon and sits 27 points below the county average of 993. The highest-scoring authority in Devon is Exeter, which scores 1,037.
How does Torbay compare with the South West region?
Torbay ranks 23rd of 27 authorities in the South West and scores 40 points below the regional average of 1,006.
Which pillar is Torbay strongest on?
ESG is Torbay's strongest pillar, with a score of 1,120, placing it 21st of 361 authorities and 120 points above the UK benchmark. It outperforms 94.2% of authorities on this measure.
Where does Torbay rank on Scaling?
Torbay ranks 333rd of 360 authorities on Scaling, with a score of 952, which is 48 points below the UK benchmark. This is its lowest-scoring pillar and the area of greatest relative weakness.
How many companies are counted in Torbay's score?
Torbay's score is based on approximately 5,909 active companies, 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.
