Key facts - Southampton's economy

• Southampton is one of the largest city outside of London in the South East and has a population of around 234,600 and a student population of just over 35,000
  
• In 2006 Southampton's economy was worth £4,953 million. This was 30.65% more than in 2002. The GVA per head in the city was £21,423 and was just higher than the regional value of £21,248
  
• There are around 7,700 businesses operating in the city and around 117,000 people have employment in Southampton either as employees or self-employed
  
• The most significant sectors in terms of number of businesses and number of employees are distribution, tourism, banking and finance related activities
  
• Southampton along with Portsmouth are two cities driving the development of the wider South Hampshire sub-region's economy. Together they provide more than 41% of the 650,000 jobs in Hampshire
  
• Southampton Airport serves more than 1.96 million passengers a year and is forecast to serve around 6 million passengers by 2030
  
• The Airport will contribute £260 million per year to the local economy by 2030
  
• The city has a strong higher education sector. The University of Southampton and Southampton Solent University together have a student population of around 35,000
  
• The University of Southampton is one of the top 10 research-led universities in the UK. It also provides a wide range of services for the business community. The university has a global reputation for leading-edge research into oceanography, cancer sciences, sound and vibration research, optoelectronics and textile conservation
  
• Southampton Solent University has its strengths in the excellent training, consultancy, research and other services undertaken for business and industry
  
• The city benefits from its location in the South East region - one of the ten world regions with the highest rates in terms of government and business expenditure in R&D
  
• Southampton has a rich leisure and cultural offer. The museums, parks and theatres as well as pubs, clubs and cinemas provide a wide range of pastime activities