The recently published Strategic Economic Audit of the West of England provides a valuable snapshot of the opportunities and challenges facing our regional economy. While the report covers the wider West of England area, many of its findings are directly relevant to Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) and offer important insights into how we can build a more resilient economy, support better work and strengthen local businesses.
The good news is that the West of England remains one of the UK’s strongest performing regional economies. High levels of productivity, a skilled workforce, leading universities, and innovative businesses provide a solid foundation for future growth.
However, the audit also identifies several barriers that could limit future prosperity if left unaddressed. For B&NES, three themes stand out: skills and employment, business growth and economic resilience.
Creating Better Work
While Bath benefits from a highly educated workforce, access to quality employment opportunities is not evenly distributed across all communities. The audit highlights the importance of ensuring that economic growth translates into better jobs, higher wages and more opportunities for local people.
This means strengthening pathways into employment, supporting lifelong learning and helping residents develop the skills needed for emerging sectors such as digital, creative and green industries.
Supporting Stronger Businesses
B&NES is home to a diverse business base, from innovative start-ups to established employers. The audit points to the importance of helping businesses scale, innovate and access the talent they need to grow.
Closer collaboration between businesses, education providers and regional partners can help unlock growth opportunities, particularly in knowledge-intensive sectors where Bath already has significant strengths. Supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and access to finance will be essential if local businesses are to thrive in an increasingly competitive economy.
Building Long-Term Resilience
The audit also reminds us that resilience is about more than economic growth. Challenges around transport, housing affordability and the transition to net zero all affect the ability of businesses and communities to prosper.
Affordable housing is critical for attracting and retaining talent. Better transport connections help people access jobs and enable businesses to reach wider markets. Investment in low-carbon infrastructure and green skills can support both environmental goals and future economic growth.
Turning Evidence into Action
Perhaps the most important contribution of the Strategic Economic Audit is that it provides a strong evidence base for decision-making. It highlights the assets that make B&NES a great place to live, work and do business, while also identifying the challenges that require collective action.
For Bath and North East Somerset, the message is clear: resilience comes from investing in people, supporting business growth and creating the conditions for sustainable, inclusive prosperity.
By focusing on better work, more resilient businesses and a greener, more connected economy, we can ensure that future growth benefits both our communities and our local economy for years to come.