Herefordshire scores 967 on the UK Local Growth Index, placing it 231st of 361 local authorities and 33 points below the UK benchmark. Its strongest pillar is Innovation, where it ranks 160th nationally. Investment is the area where its companies are least active relative to the UK average.
Each pillar score is averaged across Herefordshire's 18,791 active companies, with corporate groups counted once. That averaging means the score reflects how active local companies are on each measure, not the overall size of the local economy, which allows a fair comparison between authorities of very different scales.
The UK as a whole scores 1,000, so Herefordshire's score of 967 sits 33 points below that national reference point. The likely range of 959 to 975 shows how far 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.
West Midlands
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 Herefordshire, County of's composite score of 967 is built up, pillar by pillar.
Innovation
978
Average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
−22 points against the UK · Likely range 966–990 · 30% of the composite
Innovation measures patents, academic spinout status, R&D grant value, innovative sector tagging and IS-8 sector tagging. Herefordshire ranks 160th of 361 authorities on this pillar, scoring 978, which is 22 points below the UK benchmark. That places it in the top half of all authorities nationally, and it outperforms 55.7% of local authorities on this measure.
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
983
Below average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
−17 points against the UK · Likely range 968–998 · 30% of the composite
The Scaling pillar measures whether companies are scaleups, their headcount growth over the latest four years of accounts, and accelerator attendance. Herefordshire scores 983 here, 17 points below the UK benchmark, and ranks 242nd of 360 authorities. Its companies are adding staff at a rate somewhat below the UK average.
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
927
Below average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
−73 points against the UK · Likely range 910–944 · 30% of the composite
Investment measures equity raising activity over the last five years, the amounts raised and first-time equity raisers. At 927, Herefordshire's Investment score is 73 points below the UK benchmark, its largest gap across all four pillars, and it ranks 256th of 360 authorities. Only 28.9% of authorities score lower 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
1,007
Average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
+7 points against the UK · Likely range 995–1,019 · 10% of the composite
The ESG pillar measures clean energy activity, other green activity, environmental accolades, social and governance signals, and not-for-profit proxy status. Herefordshire scores 1,007 on ESG, placing it 7 points above the UK benchmark and 194th of 361 authorities. This is the only pillar on which its companies perform above the national reference point.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Herefordshire, County of's Local Growth Score and how it's calculated.
Herefordshire scores 967 on the UK Local Growth Index, placing it 231st of 361 local authorities. That is 33 points below the UK benchmark of 1,000.
How does Herefordshire compare with the rest of the West Midlands?
Herefordshire ranks 17th of 30 authorities in the West Midlands region and scores 2 points above the regional average of 965.
Which pillar is Herefordshire strongest on?
Innovation is Herefordshire's highest-scoring pillar at 978, where it ranks 160th nationally and outperforms 55.7% of local authorities.
Where is Herefordshire weakest on the index?
Investment is the weakest pillar, at 927, which is 73 points below the UK benchmark. Herefordshire ranks 256th of 360 authorities on this measure.
How many companies are counted in Herefordshire's score?
The score is based on 18,791 active companies, with corporate groups counted once rather than as separate registered entities.
What does the likely range mean for Herefordshire's score?
The likely range of 959 to 975 shows how far the composite score could move with a slightly different mix of companies. Scores are only published when that range is narrow enough to rely on.
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.
