West Sussex Economy
The Economy and Industry of West Sussex
West Sussex was quoted as being "one of the most dynamic sub-regions of the south-east of England" (Property Week). It has become attractive to businesses that want a city presence but must locate a mainstream operation conveniently, but cost effectively. West Sussex benefits from good links with some major higher education establishments. The main universities: University of Sussex, University of Brighton, and the University of Surrey are within easy reach. There is also SEEDA's Diamond Hub initiative in Crawley, which provides technology transfer and other support services.
The County also has superb business support services provided by Sussex Enterprise, The Learning and Skill Council and the West Sussex Economic Partnership.
The Labour Force
Wage levels in West Sussex remain lower than in the South East as a whole. Average gross weekly earnings for residents of West Sussex in 2006 were £462.20, compared with £488.70 for the South East region and £454.40 for Great Britain.
Gross Value Added (GVA) is a measure of the value of the County's output. In 2004, the total GVA for West Sussex was £12,965m, which represents 8.6% of total regional GVA for the South East. Per capita GVA for West Sussex in 2004 was £17,017, compared with £18,469 for the South East as a whole.
Claimant Count unemployment in West Sussex was 1.2% in May 2007, lower than both the South East rate of 1.5% and the rate for Great Britain as a whole of 2.4%.
Overseas Companies
Over 100 major international companies are located in the County. These include:
- Ricardo (Shoreham - automobile engine R & D)
- Edwards (Crawley, Shoreham and Burgess Hill - manufacturer of vacuum pumps)
- Pyroban (Shoreham - flame protection of industrial vehicles and diesel engines)
- Body Shop International (Littlehampton - HQ)
- GlaxoSmith Kline (Worthing and Crawley - pharmaceuticals)
- Norwich Union (Worthing - financial services)
- American Express (Burgess Hill - financial services)
- Novartis (Horsham - pharmaceuticals)
- Virgin Atlantic (Crawley - airline)
- William Mercer (Chichester - employment and benefits consultants)
- Invensys Group (Bognor Regis - electronic components)
