Laura Sharman 11 May 2022

Belfast tops index for economic vitality growth

Belfast tops index for economic vitality growth image
Image: Susanne Pommer / Shutterstock.com

Belfast has achieved the highest growth in economic vitality out of 20 key cities in the UK, a new index has revealed.

The Northern Irish capital has topped the Evaluate|Locate Key Cities Tracker after it saw positive economic vitality growth of 3.1% in the 12 months to the end of Q1 2022.

Glasgow came in second place with +2.7% of vitality growth, while Sheffield saw positive growth of 1.7%.

However, Evaluate|Locate warned the increased cost of living and slower business growth has affected UK economic vitality index ratings.

Manchester was the worst performing out of the 20 key cities tracked with a -6.1% annual decline in its index score, followed by Aberdeen and Edinburgh which both dropped by -5.8%.

Adam Kirby, head of data & insights at Evaluate|Locate, said: 'In some city centres, the number of active businesses is in decline and unemployment is already high. There are also signs that such pressures are beginning to be felt in residential property values – and in time, potentially in city population trends too.

'Belfast is so far resisting this trend by maintaining growth in new active businesses, stable employment, and positive earnings growth that’s almost matching inflation. Cities that can do the same will be best placed to weather a gathering storm for the UK economy – in which urban areas may feel the strongest headwinds.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Oxfordshire County Council
£62215 - £72293
How about joining The Clinical Team at Oxfordshire County Council in our new Community Family Clinic initiative? Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2114e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£37,035 - £37,938
Are you an experienced and motivated professional looking to take the next step in your traffic management career? Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£16,415.00 - £16,675.23 Grade 4, 24.5 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£14,070.00 - £14,293.05 Grade 4, 21 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Recruitment Support Officer

Durham County Council
£25,584 to £27,711 p.a. (Grade 5) pay award pending
We are looking for a Recruitment Support Officer to join our team on a temporary basis until 31 March 2026. In this role, you will provide a comprehe Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner