Islington ranks 19th of 361 UK local authorities, scoring 81 points above the UK benchmark. Its strongest result is in Investment, where it places 12th nationally, well clear of most authorities. Innovation is also a clear strength, while ESG sits below the UK benchmark.
The index measures the characteristics of active companies in each authority, with corporate groups counted once. Because scores are averaged across those companies rather than summed, a smaller authority with highly active businesses can rank above a larger one, making this a fair comparison between authorities of very different sizes.
The UK as a whole scores 1,000, so Islington's composite of 1,081 places it clearly ahead of the national average. Each score also comes with a likely range, which shows how much the result could move with a slightly different mix of companies; a score is only published when that range is narrow enough to rely on, and Islington's range of 1,074–1,088 meets that test.
London
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 Islington's composite score of 1,081 is built up, pillar by pillar.
Innovation
1,095
Well above average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
+95 points against the UK · Likely range 1,089–1,101 · 30% of the composite
Innovation covers granted patent families filed in the last 20 years, academic spinout status, R&D grant value, innovative sector tagging and IS-8 sector classification. Islington ranks 19th of 361 authorities on this pillar, sitting 95 points above the UK benchmark and placing in the top 10% nationally, indicating that its companies are notably active across these innovation signals.
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
1,009
Above average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
+9 points against the UK · Likely range 1,002–1,016 · 30% of the composite
The Scaling pillar captures scaleup status, headcount growth and accelerator attendance. Islington ranks 118th of 360 authorities here, just 9 points above the UK benchmark, suggesting that on these measures of growth momentum, it is broadly in line with the national picture rather than standing out in either direction.
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
1,175
Well above average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
+175 points against the UK · Likely range 1,159–1,191 · 30% of the composite
Investment measures whether companies have raised equity in the last five years, how much they raised and whether a deal was their first ever. Islington ranks 12th of 360 authorities, 175 points above the UK benchmark, outperforming 96.7% of all authorities. That places it firmly in the top 5% nationally and represents its strongest pillar by a clear margin.
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
971
Well below average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
−29 points against the UK · Likely range 965–977 · 10% of the composite
The ESG pillar covers clean energy activity, other green activity, environmental accolades, social and governance signals, and not-for-profit proxy status. At 29 points below the UK benchmark and ranking 295th of 361 authorities, Islington's companies score below the national average on these measures, making ESG the area where local businesses have the most room to strengthen their position.
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 Greater London
The chart below shows how Islington's composite score and pillar scores compare with neighbouring authorities in Greater London.
What is Islington's overall score in the UK Local Growth Index?
Islington scores 1,081, placing it 19th of 361 UK local authorities and 81 points above the UK benchmark of 1,000.
How does Islington compare with the rest of London?
Islington ranks 7th of 33 London authorities, scoring 48 points above the London regional average of 1,033. Within Greater London specifically, it ranks 6th of 32 authorities, sitting 60 points above the county average of 1,021.
Which pillar is Islington's strongest?
Investment is Islington's strongest pillar, ranking 12th of 360 authorities at 175 points above the UK benchmark. That places it in the top 5% of all authorities nationally.
Where does Islington rank on Innovation?
Islington ranks 19th of 361 authorities on Innovation, scoring 95 points above the UK benchmark and placing in the top 10% nationally.
Why does Islington score below the UK average on ESG?
The ESG pillar measures clean energy activity, other green activity, environmental accolades, social and governance signals, and not-for-profit proxy status. Islington's score of 971 is 29 points below the UK benchmark, ranking 295th of 361 authorities on these measures.
How many companies are counted in Islington's scores?
The index covers 93,844 active companies in Islington, 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.
