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 239,700
- In 2008 Southampton's economy was worth £4,942 million. This was 47% more than in 2000. The GVA per head in the city was £21,109, inline with the UK average
- There are around 7,600 businesses operating in the city and around 120,000 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 1.8 million passengers a year (2009 figure) and is forecast to serve 3.05 million passengers by 2015 and 6 million passengers by 2030
- The Airport will contribute £260 million per year to the local economy by 2030 up from £86 million per year in 2005
- The city has a strong higher education sector. The University of Southampton and Southampton Solent University together have a student population of around 42,000
- The University of Southampton is one of the top 15 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 - the South East ranks 74th among 145 world regions according to the World Knowledge Competitiveness Index. In particular, the South East is in the top 20 regions on the index of highest level of GDP per capita; Private Equity Investment Capital per capita; number of managers; employment in high-tech sectors; and the index of unemployment (2008 Index)
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. Southampton is progressing well with its plans for a new Cultural Quarter which will build upon current cultural offerings (including the Mayflower Theatre, the Guildhall, and the City Art Gallery) to bring the city a new open air events space, Guildhall Square, Arts Complex and Sea City Museum.
