8 Growing Sectors in Lancashire to Watch
Did you know that there are growing sectors in Lancashire?
Lancashire has long been associated with mills/factories and coal mining, but in fact they are just the tip of the iceberg. Lancashire has long been innovating and growing in other fields and listed below are just the top 8 (9) in which the county excels and continues to grow.
Innovation means we can get ahead of the game and as someone recently mentioned, innovation makes technology more affordable.
⦁ Aerospace
Lancashire’s aerospace sector is the largest cluster of this kind of activity in the UK. It employs over 12,700 people and contributes to the supply chain. We have firms like Senior Aerospace Weston, Magellan Aerospace, Rolls-Royce and Safran Nacelles, who operate in metal machining of aircraft in both structural and engine components, and in the process and treatment industry and engine sub-systems.
⦁ Advanced Manufacturing
Manufacturing in Lancashire has the UK’s highest concentration of activity outside the Southeast of England. With 78,000 employed in manufacturing, and 13.1% of the workforce employed in manufacturing operations, this is far higher than the national average of 8.6%.
⦁ Automotive
3,500 are employed in the automotive sector with companies such as PACCAR, who manufacture and design Leyland Trucks, Piolax, Sanko-Gosei and TRW Automotive.
⦁ Digital and creative
More than 4,000 local firms operate in this sector, a figure that continues to rise, with hubs set up in each area of the County, which contributes to a growing centre of excellence which has an annual GVA contribution of £700m and plays an increasingly significant role in Lancashire’s economy.
⦁ Energy and environmental
Over 41,000 people are employed in the related energy and environment sector, of which 12,000 people are employed in civil engineering, a key area in energy infrastructure and provision: particularly in nuclear, renewables and water.
⦁ Nuclear
Lancashire has a well-established nuclear industry which is likely to increase in importance given the presence of Toshiba Westinghouse UK HQ in South Ribble and Toshiba’s majority stake in the NuGen new build JV.
⦁ Healthcare
98,000 people are employed in the health and social care sector in Lancashire – with the workforce ever growing in order to meet the demands of the county’s ageing population.
Major employers in the county include Synexus, Speed Medical, Mi3, Synergy Healthcare, Presspart Manufacturing and Touchstone Medical.
⦁ Food and drink
Around 12,000 people are employed specifically in food & drink manufacturing activities, representing 2.0% of employees compared to the national average of 1.3% for Great Britain.
The whole food supply chain is represented in Lancashire. From raw materials, meat processors and dairies to logistics.
And perhaps we should also add in a number 9, with the new National Cyber Force coming to Salmesbury.
This will bring employment and opportunities to the area, positioning Lancashire at the forefront, confirming what we all know – that we do it better.
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