Sheffield scores 1,011 on the UK Local Growth Index, placing it 72nd of 361 local authorities and 11 points above the UK benchmark. It ranks 1st in South Yorkshire and 2nd in Yorkshire and The Humber. Innovation is its strongest pillar, sitting 50 points above the UK benchmark and in the top 20% of all authorities.
Each pillar score is averaged across Sheffield's 28,304 active companies, with corporate groups counted once. That averaging means the score reflects how active local companies are on each measure, not the sheer size of the local economy, which makes comparisons between authorities of very different scales fair.
The UK as a whole scores 1,000, so Sheffield's score of 1,011 places it modestly above the national benchmark across all four pillars combined. Each score also comes with a likely range showing how much it could shift with a slightly different mix of companies; a score is only published when that range is narrow enough to rely on.
Yorkshire and The Humber
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 Sheffield's composite score of 1,011 is built up, pillar by pillar.
Innovation
1,050
Well above average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
+50 points against the UK · Likely range 1,033–1,067 · 30% of the composite
Innovation measures patents, academic spinout status, R&D grant value, presence in innovative sectors and coverage of the eight IS-8 sectors. Sheffield ranks 37th of 361 authorities on this pillar, scoring 1,050, which is 50 points above the UK benchmark and puts it in the top 20% nationally. On this measure it outperforms 89.8% of all authorities, suggesting its companies show notably strong activity across the innovation signals tracked.
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
995
Average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
−5 points against the UK · Likely range 982–1,008 · 30% of the composite
Scaling captures whether companies are 20% scaleups, their annualised headcount growth over three years and whether they have attended an accelerator. Sheffield scores 995 here, 5 points below the UK benchmark, and ranks 189th of 360 authorities. That places it broadly in the middle of the national distribution, indicating that company-level growth and acceleration activity is close to, but just 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
985
Above average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
−15 points against the UK · Likely range 968–1,002 · 30% of the composite
Investment covers whether companies have raised equity in the last five years, how much they raised and whether they made their first-ever equity deal in that period. Sheffield scores 985 on this pillar, 15 points below the UK benchmark, yet still ranks 74th of 360 authorities and outperforms 79.4% of all authorities. The gap to the benchmark is modest, and the rank shows Sheffield sits comfortably in the upper quarter nationally for equity activity.
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
1,022
Average nationally
800UK 1,0001,700+
+22 points against the UK · Likely range 1,011–1,033 · 10% of the composite
The ESG pillar measures company-level signals across clean energy, other green activity, environmental accolades, social and governance indicators and a not-for-profit proxy. Sheffield scores 1,022 here, 22 points above the UK benchmark, ranking 148th of 361 authorities. It outperforms 59.0% of authorities, pointing to a slight but genuine edge over the national average on environmental and social signals.
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 South Yorkshire
The chart below compares Sheffield's composite score with its South Yorkshire neighbours, where it leads the county with a score 30 points above the South Yorkshire average of 981.
What is Sheffield's score on the UK Local Growth Index?
Sheffield scores 1,011, placing it 72nd of 361 local authorities and 11 points above the UK benchmark of 1,000.
How does Sheffield compare with the rest of South Yorkshire?
Sheffield ranks 1st in South Yorkshire and scores 30 points above the county average of 981. The next-highest authority in the county is Rotherham, which scores 975.
Which pillar is Sheffield strongest on?
Innovation is Sheffield's strongest pillar, with a score of 1,050, placing it 37th of 361 authorities and in the top 20% nationally.
What does the UK Local Growth Index actually measure?
It measures the characteristics of companies based in each local authority across four pillars: Innovation, Scaling, Investment and ESG. It is not a measure of economic output or GDP.
How many companies does Sheffield's score cover?
The score is based on 28,304 active companies, with corporate groups counted once rather than as separate registered entities.
What is the likely range for Sheffield's composite score?
Sheffield's composite score of 1,011 has a likely range of 1,000 to 1,022, which is narrow enough to publish with confidence that the score is reliable.
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.
