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East Berkshire Local Economic Assessment

A Final Report by Regeneris Consulting

East Berkshire Local Economic Assessment

August 2011

Regeneris Consulting Ltd

One Ashley Road

Altrincham, Cheshire

WA14 2DT

Tel: 0161 926 9214

Web: www.regeneris.co.uk

● East Berkshire Local Economic Assessment (LEA) ●

Contents

Foreword 1

Executive Summary 1

1. Introduction 14

2. Wealth Generation in East Berkshire 19

3. Employment in East Berkshire 31

4. Business Base, Innovation, R&D and Supply Chains 79

5. East Berkshire’s Labour Market 97

6. Social Inclusion and Quality of Life in East Berkshire 150

7. Sustainable Economic Growth in East Berkshire 178

8. Understanding East Berkshire’s Functional Economic Geography 199

9. SWOT Analysis 202

Appendix A : Sector Data in Detail 207

Appendix B : Town Centre Definitions 225

Appendix C : Consultation Summary 230


Page 1

Foreword

The East Berkshire economy driven by a close mutual relationship between the boroughs of Slough and Windsor & Maidenhead is unique within the UK ‐ two very different yet inextricably linked places. Economic conditions for East Berkshire remain both fast changing and challenging. The global financial crisis and the recession which followed have placed immense pressure on our businesses and on our communities. Fortunately, we entered this period in reasonably good economic shape. East Berkshire contains some of the country’s leading companies heavily concentrated in Slough and is an attractive location for both European and global HQs. A highly motivated and well‐skilled workforce drawn from the two boroughs and further afield and a strong spirit of innovation have helped the area maintain a fairly stable economic position, despite the economic difficulties. The policy landscape is also changing, with the Government providing a new basis for local and sub‐regional economic growth. The Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is already established and is setting out its strategy to support sustainable economic prosperity. Windsor & Maidenhead’s position as a champion borough for the ‘Big Society’ will help identify new ways to support local communities. For the LEP, Slough is leading on evaluating and promoting a rail link from the Great Western Railway to Heathrow. These and other initiatives will help East Berkshire partners and stakeholders to influence important economic development agendas and take advantage of policy change. We must not be complacent. This Local Economic Assessment highlights the need for us to improve and build upon what has been achieved so far, and use our strengths to maintain our resilience in the face of economic pressures. In particular, we must ensure that East Berkshire remains one of the most attractive places in the UK for high‐skill, high‐value business. There is a need to ensure key assets are in place to support new business and growth within a desirable range of sectors including advanced functions in business and financial services, ICT and digital technology, and in environmental technologies. The East Berkshire economy relies heavily on flexible labour market movements with residents from the area taking advantage of employment opportunities in London, and significant flows coming into our area from London each day. To ensure the sustainable development of our labour markets, we must take full advantage of the arrival of the new Crossrail connections to Slough. There is a clear need for us to make sure that local people are given the opportunities to develop their skills and education and positively position themselves to take advantage of the high quality employment opportunities available within the area. The relationship between skills, business growth and housing is especially important. We have a duty to continue planning for sustainable communities that have access to quality amenities and support the business base. An environment that fully supports entrepreneurship and new business ventures, across industries and communities, is a vital part of our economic strategy for the future. We currently face many challenges around resourcing and funding economic development priorities. To ensure that a shared agenda of sustainable and inclusive economic growth is


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successfully sought after, it is vitally important that a strong relationship between private and public partners is developed and continues to develop. Despite the challenges, a bright future for East Berkshire is certainly possible. Understanding and supporting the uniqueness of this area – as described by this report ‐ is critical to our future success.

Ruth Bagley OBE Chief Executive, Slough Borough Council

Ian Trenholm Chief Executive, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead


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Executive Summary

i. Regeneris Consulting was commissioned to carry out the East Berkshire Local Economic

Assessment (LEA), which encompasses the Slough Borough Council and Royal Borough of

Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) areas

ii. The document draws together an array of data and information to understand the key issues

for the East Berkshire economy and to inform a response to the key issues which exist. The

document will be an important tool in informing strategy for both local authorities and

partners. It will also inform priorities determined by the recently established Thames Valley

Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The document comes at an important time both

economically and politically, with public sector budget cuts and the localism agenda

(including the abolishment of Regional Development Agencies) impacting on the way

partners will respond to economic development issues going forward. As well as challenges

this will create opportunities for partners to position themselves to benefit from changes as

they occur.

iii. The LEA document summarises the key issues for East Berkshire and a separate document

sets out how partners should respond to the key issues which exist.

Wealth Generation in East Berkshire

iv. It is not possible to obtain data on Gross Value Added (GVA) performance at the level of

individual districts; however figures which are available for Berkshire are extremely

favourable. Berkshire is one of the UK’s largest economic areas and a key driver of wealth

generation in the South East accounting for 15% of the region’s total Gross Value Added

(GVA) output in 2008. This is linked to the volume of economic activity in the county. The

structure of Berkshire’s economy also plays a strong role in wealth generation with GVA per

worker substantially greater than the South East average – pointing to a concentration of

high value employment in the county. GVA per worker of £58,120 in 1998 is more than

£10,000 per worker greater than the England average.

v. The rate of GVA growth in Berkshire has consistently outstripped national and regional

comparators, growing by 136% between 1998 and 2008. This has helped to widen the gap in

GVA performance between Berkshire and national and regional comparators. GVA per

worker has also been increasing faster than the national rate.

vi. There is evidence to suggest that productivity improvements have played the largest role in

driving up Berkshire’s GVA. Between 2003 and 2008, for example, GVA in Berkshire

increased by around 16% and the number of jobs increased by just 8%.

vii. It is clear from further analysis that Berkshire’s economy is underpinned by a strong and well

established business services and finance sector. Two out of every five pounds of Berkshire’s

GVA is created by this sector, which accounts for 42% of total GVA in Berkshire compared to

just 34% nationally. However, the county’s reliance on this sector for wealth generation may

leave the area particularly vulnerable to recessionary impacts which points to the need for a

diverse economic base.

viii. GVA projections for Berkshire suggest that growth will continue and that Berkshire’s


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contribution to regional GVA will become more important. GVA is projected to increase from

its 2006 level of £22,580 million (13% of South East GVA) to £35,307 million (20% of the

South East’s GVA by 2026). Clearly, this strong performance is not guaranteed for Berkshire

and the county faces competition from other parts of the South East as well as international

locations (e.g. Brazil, Russia, India and China ‐ BRIC countries) which may be able to offer a

lower cost base for firms). Further consideration is given to the need for East Berkshire to

maintain its competitiveness in the future in the LEA response document which accompanies

the Local Economic Assessment.

Employment in East Berkshire

ix. East Berkshire is a key source of employment in the Thames Valley Berkshire area,

accounting for more than a third of the total for the LEP area. The volume of employment in

East Berkshire is split fairly equally between Slough and the Royal Borough of Windsor and

Maidenhead (RBWM) with both supporting around 75,000 jobs.

x. As illustrated below, employment is highly concentrated in the major towns of Slough,

Windsor and Eton and Maidenhead, and the Slough Trading Estate provides a strong focus

for employment. The Slough Trading Estate is Europe’s largest trading estate in single

ownership and a key employment hub, with more than one in ten of East Berkshire’s jobs

located there.

Distribution of employment in East Berkshire (2009)

Source: Business Register and Employment Survey, 2009. ONS Nomis (www.nomisweb.co.uk) © Crown Copyright material is

reproduced with the permission of the controller of HMSO. Source: Digital Mapping Solutions from Dotted Eyes. Reproduced

by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the controller of HMSO © Crown Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Licence

number 10001998


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xi. Employment levels in East Berkshire have been fairly unstable over recent years but

employment growth of 2% in East Berkshire between 2003‐2008 is higher than a 1% increase

for Thames Valley Berkshire. Nevertheless, employment growth is below national and

regional comparators and other parts of the South East (South Bucks experienced a 7%

increase in employment) for this period.

xii. The key focal points for employment growth have been the western (more recently

developed) side of the Slough Trading Estate, and areas to the south of Maidenhead and

Clewer Village. At the same time, all of the town centres in East Berkshire have seen a

marked contraction in employment. This has been particularly dramatic in Slough town

centre where a 20% reduction in employment (between 2003‐2008) equates to almost 4,000

jobs. A 7% reduction in employment for Maidenhead town centre is less severe but still

significant. This reaffirms the need for investment in town centres to maintain their

competitiveness in the future.

xiii. There is a strong weighting towards full time work in East Berkshire, with almost three

quarters (73%) of the workforce being in full time employment. This is largely related to the

particular concentration of full time employment in Slough, where 78% of the employment

is provided on a full time basis.

xiv. Windsor and Maidenhead has a particularly strong concentration of employment in small

businesses with businesses with less than 10 employees accounting for 26% of jobs

compared to 21% nationally. Firms employing less than 10 employees accounts for just 14%

of jobs in Slough, which is weighted more heavily towards larger employers; 35% of the

borough’s jobs are in companies employing more than 200 people. Larger employers are

particularly focused around the Slough Trading Estate.

xv. Employment in East Berkshire is less dependent on the public sector than nationally, with

18% of employment in the public sector compared to 27% nationally. In Slough, the

proportion is smaller still (16%).

xvi. The employment base in East Berkshire is dominated by higher value activities including:

Banking, finance and insurance: and particularly the higher value activities within

this sector, including IT and software, business management and consultancy.

Telecommunications: employment is particularly focused around the Slough Trading

Estate and employs more than 5,000 people across East Berkshire.

Manufacturing: predominantly in Slough where there is strong representation of

higher value manufacturing (such as pharmaceuticals / medical instruments) as well

as more traditional manufacturing (e.g. confectionary).

Tourism: particularly important to the RBWM economy with key concentrations of

employment in Windsor and Eton.

xvii. Recent employment change has followed national trends, that is employment in the public

sector has increased, manufacturing employment has contracted (particularly in lower value

sectors) and employment in banking, finance and insurance has increased.


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Business Base, Innovation, R&D and Supply Chains

xviii. There are 14,000 businesses based in East Berkshire. Although, there has been sustained

growth in the size of its business base over the past four years, the 9% growth in the size of

the business base between 2003 and 2008 has not kept pace with the growth occurring

nationally or regionally (11% increase in the same period). Windsor and Maidenhead’s

business base is nearly twice the size of Slough’s which reflects the large number of smaller

firms in the borough.

xix. Rates of VAT registrations are particularly high in the Royal Borough of Windsor and

Maidenhead. The VAT registration rate for RBWM is 9.1 per 1,000 working age residents,

which is almost twice the national average. Conversely, the rate of VAT registrations in

Slough only marginally exceeds the England and Wales average and lags behind that of the

South East.

xx. Businesses started in East Berkshire have a slightly better chance of survival than the

national average with the three year survival rate (68%) being three per cent higher than the

national average. Slough’s three year survival rate is 4% lower than Windsor and

Maidenhead’s.

East Berks Local Authorities – Survival Rates for businesses started in 2006

Source: ONS business demography.

xxi. Data on investment in research and development is not readily available at the local level.

However, the South East performs particularly well on this measure and has the largest

number of FTE employees engaged in R&D activities of all the regions. Expenditure on R&D

by firms in the South East represents 2% of the region’s GVA. This is considerably more than

the England average of 1.4% and second only to the East of England.

94%

96%

94%

95%

96%

96%

96%

96%

95%

95%

94%

79% 84%

78%

80%

79% 83%

80% 86%

82%

82%

80%

65% 69%

64%

60% 67%

68%

64% 71%

68%

67%

65%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

Slough

Windsor &

Maidenhead

Hillingdon

Hounslow

Reading

South Bucks

Spelthorne

Wycombe

East Berkshire

South East

GB

Survival rate

1 year survival rate 2 year survival rate 3 year survival rate


Page 7

xxii. Information from UKTI suggests that Berkshire has been particularly successful in attracting

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects to the county. There are a greater number of

investments in the ICT, life sciences and Advanced Engineering sectors.

East Berkshire’s Labour Market

xxiii. East Berkshire has a population of around 272,200, with Slough and RBWM contributing

around 128,400 and 143,800 respectively. It is important to note, however, that due to a

combination of factors (including high levels of household overcrowding locally, the diverse

nature of local population and the transient nature of the local population), Slough Borough

Council does not believe that official estimates accurately reflect the local population.

Slough Borough Council believe the local population to be closer to 140,000.

xxiv. Indicating the presence of a strong labour pool locally, a relatively high proportion of East

Berkshire residents are of working age – particularly in Slough. In RBWM there is a higher

proportion of more elderly residents. Slough has high levels of ethnic diversity, with large

populations of Asian or Asian British residents and evidence suggests that over a fifth of

residents were born outside the UK. Anecdotal evidence suggests that Slough has a highly

transient population (with migrants attracted by the relatively low cost of living and

availability of jobs). Whilst it is difficult to measure population transience, anecdotal

evidence suggests the presence of local communities of Eastern European, Somalian and

Sudanese residents. It is important that research is undertaken to understand this new

population in more detail.

xxv. Whilst theoretically the East Berkshire economy has a large labour pool of working age

residents to draw on, the extent to which these are work ready is dictated by levels of skills

and economic activity. Across East Berkshires functional economic geography area, there are

over half a million economically active residents and over quarter of a million working age

residents with Level 4 or higher qualification – a significant pool of highly skilled labour.

xxvi. Despite this overall position of strength, labour market characteristics within East Berkshire

vary significantly – with RBWM typically performing above the regional average and Slough

at or below it.

xxvii. In Slough, a relatively high proportion of residents have no qualifications and a relatively low

proportion have degree level or higher qualification. This has implications in terms of the

types of occupations that Slough residents are employed in – typically occupations requiring

lower levels of skills than is average regionally. Significantly, the occupational and skills

profile of Slough residents contrasts sharply with the profile of jobs available in the Borough

itself, typically requiring higher levels of skills


Page 8

Occupation Profile of the Slough Residents and Workforce, 2009

Note: The occupation groupings set out above refer to the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) 2000 – a full definition of each of these codes is available at http://www.statistics.gov.uk/nsbase/methods_quality/ns_sec/soc2000.asp

Source: Annual Population Survey © Crown Copyright

xxviii. Perhaps partly reflecting this imbalance, levels of economic activity and unemployment are

lower in Slough than is average sub‐regionally and regionally. Local economic inactivity and

unemployment rates have also risen at a higher rate than average over the recessionary

period. Economic inactivity rates are particularly high in Slough for females – likely to reflect

cultural characteristics of certain ethnic groups. Helping local people access local jobs will

clearly remain a core challenge going forward. More positive indicators for future

performance locally include strong secondary school performance in the Borough and strong

levels of young people progressing to higher education.

xxix. RBWM is home to a highly skilled population. The proportion of residents with no

qualifications is well below the regional average, whilst at the other end of the spectrum a

high proportion of residents are qualified to the highest levels. Reflecting this, RBWM

residents are typically employed in more highly skilled occupations than is average across

the region.

xxx. Whilst levels of economic inactivity and unemployment rose during the recessionary period,

on average these rates stand significantly below the rates seen in comparator areas and

across the region. Despite overall strong performance, however, it is important to note that

labour market challenges continue to exist amongst certain groups and communities in

RBWM – it is important that Borough wide averages do not mask such local variations. One

labour market challenge regards improving take up of local leisure and hospitality jobs

amongst local residents – a current area of focus for policy intervention through the Grow

our Own project.

xxxi. Underpinning the performance of the East Berkshire economy and the local labour market

are dynamics and dependencies which transcend local authority boundaries. Most

significant are travel to work patterns. There is a daily net inflow of commuters to East

Berkshire of over 16,000, whilst (as suggested by the Slough skills mismatch described

above) within East Berkshire there is a net movement of people from RBWM to Slough.

48%

33%

18%

41%

36%

21%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Higher Skilled Occupations Intermediate Skilled Occupations Lower Skileld Occupations

Proportion of those in Employm

ent

Slough Workplace Slough Residents


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Commuting Patterns

Source: Origin Destination Statistics, 2001 Census, ONS

Quality of Life and Social Inclusion in East Berkshire

xxxii. Analysis of a variety of quality of life indicators suggests that – as with the labour market –

there is disparity in performance between Slough and RBWM.

xxxiii. Quality of life levels in Slough partly reflect the labour market characteristics described

previously. On average earnings for residents are significantly below those seen in

comparator areas and are below the regional average. Pockets of deprivation exist in Slough

– particularly in the Chalvey, Britwell and Foxborough areas of the Borough and particularly

in relation to employment, income and crime. Local crime rates remain above those seen in

comparator areas, and there is an even strong perception / fear of crime amongst local

residents. The local housing market is a particular issue for Slough – with anecdotal evidence

suggesting a relatively low quality housing stock compared to neighbouring area and high

levels of household overcrowding and HMOs. Perhaps reflecting a combination of these

indicators, and the overall desirability of the area as a place to live, house prices in Slough

remain significantly below those seen in neighbouring areas and across the region.

xxxiv. In RBWM, quality of life is generally perceived to be strong. Concentrations of relative

multiple deprivation are fewer and generally less severe than in Slough, and the Borough

generally performs well across a range of health and crime indicators. Reflecting the overall

highly skilled nature of the Borough’s residents, average earnings are significantly higher

than in Slough and than those seen regionally. The image and perceptions of RBWM as a

prestigious place to live and the presence of an overall high quality housing stock contribute

strongly to these trends. Housing, however, is also an issue locally – given the quality of the


Page 10

stock and the environment, prices are typically well above regional averages, with strong

implications in terms of affordability. The potential for housing market growth is also

problematic locally.

xxxv. Despite the overall disparity in performance between the two Boroughs, it is important that

the two areas are not viewed as separate entities. Quality of life indicators underpin the

labour market and economic characteristics covered in the previous chapters.

Towards Sustainable Economic Growth in East Berkshire

xxxvi. The physical environment and infrastructure play a critical role in shaping local social and

economic performance.

xxxvii. As discussed previously, the high quality natural and physical environment in RBWM is a

contributing factor in ensuring that the Borough is perceived as a desirable place to live. The

image attached to Slough in this respect is less strong.

xxxviii. However, these physical characteristics also have an impact in terms of the potential for

future development in East Berkshire. In RBWM, numerous development constraints exist

(including the Special Protection Area, the Flood Plain, the green belt and the historic

environment) which mean opportunities for future commercial and office developments are

limited. In Slough, the main constraint is the boundaries of the Borough – there is seemingly

little potential for further urban growth and ‘creep’ into neighbouring areas. These factors

are potentially important in terms of future economic performance.

xxxix. Despite development constraints, efforts to enhance image of place and achieve urban

renewal are underway throughout East Berkshire. In Maidenhead – one area of RBWM

which has experienced declining town centre performance in recent years – the

establishment of PROM and the local area action plan targets future physical development

which will revitalise the town centre. In Slough, physical renewal is being sought through the

Heart of Slough scheme which is looking to provide new facilities for the town and ultimately

improve the image of place.

xl. Aside from the natural environment, physical infrastructure also plays a core role in East

Berkshire’s economic performance. The area has strong connectivity to locations throughout

the South East of England and the world (via Heathrow), helped by proximity to major

motorways and important rail links. There are also several opportunities for the area going

forward in this respect – with infrastructure developments such as Crossrail and the

proposed western access to Heathrow likely to reinforce the attraction of the area to both

employers and employees.

xli. Efforts to achieve future economic growth in East Berkshire – and indeed the design of

specific socio‐economic interventions that target growth – will need to be set firmly in the

context of a wider strategy to achieve greater levels of environmental sustainability. The

industrial nature of the Slough economy means that current levels of commercial emissions

are high. Future growth may include the targeted development of the environmental

technologies sector, especially on the basis of servicing the needs of the local population.

Simultaneously, it is important to consider the environmental impact of the lack of labour

market containment in the local economy. The scale of the commuter flows across East

Berkshire and the wider sub region – as a result of transport connections and resultant


Page 11

location of jobs – have significant environmental implications. Whilst the size of the available

labour market is one of the areas core strengths, if future economic growth is to be sought

in a sustainable manner, focus will need to be placed on improving levels of labour market

containment. In practise, this will mean continuing to work with employers to highlight the

benefit of employing local people and working with residents to ensure that they have the

right skills set to enter local employment.

Linkages and Dependencies Underpinning Economic and Social Performance in East Berkshire

xlii. The economic and social characteristics of East Berkshire are underpinned by numerous

dependencies, linkages and dynamics which operate across a range of geographical scales.

Together, these flows define East Berkshire’s Functional Economic Geography and dictate

how the area is actually experienced by business, residents and visitors alike. Some of the

most important flows are described below:

Labour Market flows – At its very core, the East Berkshire economy is underpinned

by significant travel to work movements – existing both internally within East

Berkshire, but also transcending the area’s boundaries. The strength of the local

economy is built upon the availability of highly skilled labour. In total East Berkshire

and its neighbouring local authorities provides a labour pool of over half a million

economically active residents and over quarter of a million working age residents

qualified to degree level or higher. The willingness of residents to travel to work

(combined with quality of life factors) and the demand for suitable employees

means that in practice, local authority boundaries are largely disregarded by

businesses and the workforce alike.

The dependencies which exist within East Berkshire are best illustrated through

consideration of Slough. Slough’s strong local economy is dependent upon the

supply of highly skilled labour from surrounding local authority areas. Without the

presence of this, the area would struggle to retain and attract investment. However,

it is also important to note that the areas providing the highly skilled labour – areas

such as RBWM – are currently dependent upon Slough to provide suitable jobs for

their residents. In the absence of these, highly skilled and mobile residents would

move elsewhere. It is a two way dependency. On the flip side, a high number of

lower skilled Slough residents commute out of the Borough to work – to locations

such as Heathrow. As such, the future wellbeing of Slough and its residents is

dependent upon the continuing provision of jobs in other areas.

Leisure flows – leisure flows play an important role in defining local economic

performance in East Berkshire. This is especially relevant in terms of RBWM’s visitor

economy. It is estimated that 6.3 million day trips and 602,000 overnight trips were

made to RBWM in 2008. It is estimated that the local visitor economy supports

around 5,900 FTE jobs in the Borough (equating to 7,935 actual jobs) and business

turnover of around £511.4 million. The demography of visitors varies significantly.

RBWM’s tourist attractions attract visitors from across the UK and from locations

across the world. Business tourism is a strength in Windsor, Maidenhead and Ascot

– also attracts visitors from across the UK.


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However, there are also a number of more local flows that are important to

acknowledge. Retail flows vary throughout East Berkshire – anecdotally Windsor has

a successful and high end retail offer which attract visitors from a relatively wide

region. Maidenhead and Slough town centres currently act more as local service

centres for the local population. On the flip side, a number of successful shopping

locations outside East Berkshire – including Reading and High Wycombe – result in

movements out of the area. The night time economy also results in movements of

people across East Berkshire. Again, Windsor is perceived to have a relatively strong

offer in this respect, attracting people from a relatively wide area. This is less the

case in Slough and Maidenhead.

Service flows – Service provision also results in significant flows of people within

and across East Berkshire. This is especially the case in terms of education – in

Slough for example, the presence of a number of strongly performing schools results

in the daily movement of pupils into the area. Other flows result from the location of

further and adult education facilities within the area. Meanwhile, the lack of a major

HE presence results in large outflows of young people. In Slough, anecdotal evidence

suggests that this often happens on a daily basis – students in many communities

continue to live at home whilst attending university in London. Other service flows in

East Berkshire include those relating to health – dictated by the location of GP and

Hospital facilities.

xliii. These flows are underpinned by a number of overarching factors which ultimately define

why and how these movements are played out:

The Location of Business and Demand for Labour – Many of the dynamics affecting

East Berkshire are dictated by the locational decisions of businesses and hence the

demand for employment. Whilst there are four main employment centres in East

Berkshire – Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead town centres and the Slough Trading

Estate – the types of activity vary in each of these locations. As discussed previously,

the Slough Trading Estate is typically characterised by higher value added activities –

and hence typically demands relatively high skills levels from its workforce. As a

result, the Slough Trading Estate acts as a strong ‘pull’ for labour from across the sub

region. Similarly, the presence of a concentration of lower skilled jobs at locations

outside East Berkshire such as Heathrow, acts as a strong pull for Slough residents

with lower skills levels. These labour market flows highlight the important

dependencies which exist across a relatively wide geographical area.

Quality of Life factors – Quality of life factors play an important role in defining East

Berkshire’s functional economic geographies. As discussed previously, East Berkshire

and the wider area is characterised by multiple labour market linkages and

dependencies which underpin the functioning of the local economy. Quality of life

factors also underpin these dependencies, with relatively highly skilled and affluent

residents attracted to live in locations such as RBWM by the high quality living

environment, strong housing quality and prestigious image of the area. By contrast,

Slough – perceived to offer a lower quality of life and lower quality housing stock – is

characterised by the presence of lower skilled and less affluent residents. The

comparatively low cost living locally (combined with the location and the availability

of jobs) has also made Slough an appealing and to convenient gateway to the


Page 13

country for migrants. As this suggests, housing markets play a particularly important

role in defining sub‐regional dynamics – and as such, going forward, how housing

markets operate and change will help to shape local economic performance. Under

increasing pressures from competing locations across the globe, existing competitive

advantages of the local economy will need to be maximised. In East Berkshire, the

strong local economy will to a certain extent depend upon the local labour market

being retained and enhanced. However, the extent to which this can be achieved

will depend upon the ability of the local area to accommodate population and

housing growth. As discussed in later, there exist significant constraints in this

respect across East Berkshire.

The Physical Environment and Infrastructure – East Berkshire’s proximity to

Heathrow and London and strong transport infrastructure, make the area attractive

to businesses (enabling supply chain and more general business linkages) and

facilitate the labour market flows and dynamics described previously. The physical

environment itself is a strong contributing factor to the perceived high quality of life

in the area. Going forward, these factors will become increasingly important in the

functioning of the local economy. As discussed previously, given increasing pressures

from competing locations across the globe, existing competitive advantages of the

local economy will need to be maximised. In East Berkshire, the strong local

economy will to a certain extent depend upon strong physical linkages and

infrastructure being retained and enhanced. Challenges exist in this respect. Local

road and rail infrastructure is already operating close to capacity, whilst well

documented challenges remain accommodating future capacity growth at Heathrow

airport. Significant challenges also exist around future physical development activity

in East Berkshire. Development constraints affect both Slough (there is limited scope

for the urban area to expand naturally given the Borough’s tight boundaries) and

RBWM (a combination of green belt, flooding and conservation constraints) – and

are likely to have a real impact future provision of housing and business

accommodation.

xliv. Fully recognising the scale and nature of the trends described above is a key process in

understanding local economic performance.


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2. Introduction

What is the East Berkshire Local Economic Assessment

2.1 Regeneris Consulting was commissioned to carry out the East Berkshire Local Economic

Assessment (LEA), which encompasses the Slough Borough Council and Royal Borough of

Windsor and Maidenhead areas.

2.2 This document draws together a wide range of data and information in order to understand

the key issues for the East Berkshire economy and to inform activities which can address

these going forward. This document will be an important tool in informing strategy

documents compiled by both local authorities and partners. It will also inform priorities

determined by the recently established Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP),

which includes Slough Borough Council, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead,

Bracknell Forest, Reading, Slough and Wokingham Councils.

2.3 This document has been produced at an important time economically and politically. The

recent recession has had a profound effect on the UK economy. Furthermore, political

changes with the Coalition government coming to power will create a number of

opportunities and challenges. Recent changes include the abolishment of Regional

Development Agencies and a move towards ‘localism’ with the Thames Valley LEP being

responsible for economic development in the future. Further changes are yet to be made

clear. Nevertheless, this LEA document provides an opportunity to consider the

opportunities for the East Berkshire area in the light of this change.

2.4 The East Berkshire Local Economic Assessment builds on a number of stages of work, which

can be summarised as follows:

Collection and review of data: data has been gathered from a range of sources,

including nationally held data sets (such as BRES, NOMIS) and from a range of

organisations consulted to inform this study (including data held by the local

authority, together with Job Centre Plus and Connexions).

Consultation with stakeholders: we have consulted widely with internal

stakeholders, that is representatives within Slough Borough Council and the Royal

Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. In addition, we have spoken to local

authorities within East Berkshire’s Functional Economic Area. Finally, we have

consulted with a range of partners.

Consultation with businesses: we have consulted with key firms which are located

within the Slough Borough Council and Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

local authority areas. As well as face‐to‐face and telephone discussions, a short web

survey was compiled and businesses were given an opportunity to respond to this.

2.5 This outline methodology is outlined in more detail below.


Page 15

Developing a Local Economic Assessment for East Berkshire

Key Geographies of Analysis

2.6 This report provides analysis of performance for a number of different geographical areas.

These are summarised in the table below.

Figure 2‐1: Merton Local Economic Assessment: Geographies for Analysis

East Berkshire Geographies Wider Geographies

Sub‐Regional Analysis East Berkshire Thames Valley LEP area

Borough Analysis

Slough Borough

Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM)

Bracknell Forest

Wycombe

Spelthorne

South Bucks

Reading

London Borough of Hounslow

London Borough of Hillingdon

Sub‐Borough Analysis

Slough Town Centre

Slough Trading Estate

Maidenhead Town Centre

Windsor and Eton Town Centre

Basingstoke

High Wycombe

Hounslow

Reading

Uxbridge

NOTE: The Sub‐Borough economic areas listed are defined according to Super Output Areas. Detailed definitions of each sub‐Borough geography used in the local economic assessment can be found in Appendix B.

East Berkshire Geographies

2.7 East Berkshire’s performance is assessed at a number of different geographical scales in

order to achieve a detailed understanding of the spatial characteristics of local performance.

2.8 As set out in Figure 2‐1, data relevant to East Berkshire is considered at three main

geographical levels:

East Berkshire Level – comprising Slough and RBWM together

Borough Level – consideration of Slough and RBWM performance separately

Sub‐Borough Level – Analysis of the socio‐economic characteristics of East

Berkshire’s four main ‘economic areas’ – Slough Town Centre, Slough Trading Estate,

Maidenhead Town Centre, and Windsor and Eton Town Centre – helps to establish

an understanding of the socio‐economic dynamics taking place within the Borough.

These economic areas have been defined according to boundaries set out in local

documents and after discussion with local officers. Full geographical definitions of

the boundaries of these economic areas can be found in Appendix B. It is important

to note that analysis at a sub‐Borough level is dependent upon data availability and

thus is not possible for all socio‐economic indicators.

2.9 Where necessary, GIS mapping is used to assess variations in performance at a more local

level, and to assess performance outside the four main economic centres.


Page 16

Wider Geographies

2.10 East Berkshire’s performance is also assessed in relation to the performance of wider

geographies. There are two important rationales for this approach –

Analysis of wider geographies – from the very local level to the regional and national

levels – is an important means by which to benchmark and compare East Berkshire’s

performance, ultimately helping to put local performance into context.

A key area of focus for this Local Economic Assessment is gaining an understanding

of the functionality of East Berkshire’s economy, identifying the economic linkages

and dynamics within the area but also with wider geographies. Whilst there can be

no one definition of a Functional Economic Area, for the purpose of analysis this has

been provisionally defined to include the boroughs of Slough, RBWM, Hillingdon,

Hounslow, Spelthorne, Wycombe and South Buckinghamshire. These areas are

referred to throughout this report in order to achieve as detailed an understanding

as possible of the economic and social dynamics affecting East Berkshire.

Quantitative Data Sources and Analysis

Quantitative Data Sources

2.11 The analysis presented in the following chapters draws upon a range of data sources,

including:

The Business Register and Employment Survey / Annual Business Inquiry

Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

Annual Population Survey/Labour Force Survey

Travel to Work data from Census 2001

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Additional data from NOMIS, BIS, DfE, DEFRA, Thames Valley Police and National

Statistics

Data Analysis Techniques

2.12 A number of data analysis techniques are used throughout the local economic assessment to

ensure that a detailed understanding of all indicators is established.

2.13 Where possible, focus is placed on trend analysis. In order to fully understand current trends

and establish possible trends for the future, it is necessary to establish what has happened in

the past. In this economic analysis section we have identified historic data for analysis as

relevant. While this varies across the publication‐frequency and back catalogues of different

data sets we have tried to obtain and analyse information at least from 2002 and ideally over

a longer timescale where data allows.

2.14 Emphasis is also placed on Location Quotient analysis. A location quotient (LQ) is a


Page 17

measurement of the concentration of a certain industry in a location compared to a larger

area, whether regional or national. A result greater than one indicates a higher than

regional/national average concentration, while a figure below one would indicate a less than

average concentration. A result of one indicates parity.

2.15 Where relevant, GIS Mapping is used to present data. GIS Mapping is a very useful tool to

present data in an easily accessible format. Where it adds value we have included maps to

illustrate clustering of activity or other important indicators.

Other Sources of Information used for Analysis

Stakeholder and Business Consultation

2.16 In addition to the range of quantitative indictors, Local Economic Assessments also need to

reflect consultation with a range of locally and regionally significant stakeholders. As such,

consultation with the key stakeholders in East Berkshire (and where relevant wider areas)

has played an integral role in the development of the local economic assessment and the

main issues and concerns highlighted by these are considered throughout. We have

consulted with both businesses and stakeholders and a full list is provided in Appendix C.

The Data Sources ‐ Caveats

2.17 A diverse range of data sources are used throughout the analysis and the very latest

available data has been accessed. Despite this, it is important to note that each dataset

varies in terms of how ‘current’ the latest available data actually is. For example, whilst

statistics on Claimant Count provide data up to Spring 2011, the latest available data for the

Business Register and Employment Survey is for 2009.

2.18 Given such variations in the currency of the main datasets, it necessary to apply caution in

data analysis and interpretation. This is especially the case given the recent downturn in the

UK economy and the important ongoing socio‐economic consequences that are being

experienced at every geographical level. In cases where data is not available for the most

recent timeframes (as is the case with employment and business data), the use of qualitative

information is all the more important in helping to build a picture of how macro‐economic

forces are affecting local economic performance – as such, insight gained from stakeholder

consultation and other sources forms a key part of analysis throughout this LEA document.

2.19 It is also important to proceed with care when using data portraying trends at small

geographical scales. Ward and Super Output Area level statistics typically deal with relatively

low numbers as a result of low populations. When such small numbers are under

consideration, statistical trends are extremely volatile and can, for example, can be affected

by one off events. Care has been taken throughout therefore to ensure that all trends at the

sub‐local level have been analysed with care and attention.

2.20 Further caution is needed in the analysis of local level data from the Annual Business Inquiry

(ABI). Data confidentiality rules specify that the identity of all individuals / businesses

participating in the survey must be protected. There are a number of key points associated

with this which are of high relevance to the analysis presented in this Local Economic

Assessment:


Page 18

As specified by ABI conditions of use, all ABI data used in the assessment is

presented rounded to the nearest one hundred

The need to protect the identity of individual participants in the ABI is particularly

relevant at local levels and in niche industries. As such, on occasion, ABI stipulates

that individual pieces of data relating to specific locations or industries cannot be

disclosed for reasons of confidentially. On these occasions, the data is presented in

the analysis as N/A. Typically, N/A would suggest a relatively low number /

occurrence of the chosen indicator in that particular location.

Local Economic Assessment Structure

2.21 The remainder of this document is set out under the following headings:

Section 2: Wealth Generation in East Berkshire

Section 3: Employment in East Berkshire

Section 4: Business Base, Innovation, R&D and Supply Chains

Section 5: East Berkshire’s Labour Market

Section 6: Social Inclusion and Quality of Life in East Berkshire

Section 7: Sustainable Economic Growth in East Berkshire

Section 8: Conclusions and SWOT

2.22 This document should be read alongside a separate but accompanying document called the

‘East Berkshire Local Economic Assessment: A Strategic Response’, which sets out our

recommendations on the response required in order to address the issues set out in this

document.

● East Berkshire Local Economic Assessment ●

Page 19

3. Wealth Generation in East Berkshire

3.1 This chapter provides an overview of recent headline economic performance and wealth

generation for Berkshire as a whole as GVA data is not available for East Berkshire in

isolation. The analysis draws on a detailed interrogation of ONS GVA data and highlights key

messages about the structure and performance of the Berkshire’s economy in relation to key

national, regional and local comparator areas and highlights the key strengths and

weaknesses of Hertfordshire’s economy.

Wealth Generation – Key Characteristics

Berkshire is one of the UK’s largest economic areas and is a key driver of wealth generation in the South East region accounting for 15% of the region’s total GVA output in 2008.

Berkshire’s GVA per worker of £58,120 is more than £10,000 per worker greater than the England average, suggesting a very high value economy. On average, Berkshire’s GVA per worker has increased by 5% each year since 1998, compared to 4% nationally.

The rate of GVA growth in Berkshire has consistently outstripped national and regional comparators for the past ten years, widening the gap in GVA performance.

Berkshire’s economy is underpinned by a strong and well established business services and finance sector. Two out of every five pounds of Berkshire’s GVA is created by this sector, which accounts for 42% of total GVA in Berkshire compared to just 34% nationally.

The relative wealth of Berkshire is evident in its high gross disposable household income which remains more than £2,600 per head greater than the national average.

GVA projections for Berkshire suggest that growth will continue and that Berkshire’s contribution

to regional GVA will become more important. GVA is projected to increase from its 2006 level of £22,580 million (13% of South East GVA) to £35,307 million (20% of the South East’s GVA) by 2026.


Page 20

Berkshire has a high value economy…

3.3 Berkshire is one of the UK’s largest economic areas and is a key driver of wealth generation

in the South East region accounting for 15% of the region’s total GVA output in 2008. Figure

3‐1 shows the top 20 areas in the UK in terms of total GVA production; Berkshire is ranked

seventh overall and fourth of all areas outside of London.

Figure 3‐1: Total GVA 2008 – top 20 NUTS 3 areas

Source: GVA data – ONS, Headline1 Gross Value Added (GVA)2,3 by NUTS3 area at current basic prices by region.

3.4 Berkshire’s strong GVA performance is linked to the absolute volume of economic activity in

the county but, as Table 3‐1 shows the structure of Berkshire’s economy also plays a strong

role in wealth generation. Berkshire’s GVA per worker is substantially greater than the South

East average (which itself, is larger than the England average). Berkshire’s high level of GVA

per worker suggests a concentration of high value employment in the county.

Table 3‐1: Overall Economic Performance (2008)

Area Total GVA (£millions)

GVA per head GVA per worker % change in total GVA 1998‐2007

England £1,083,290 £21,050 £47,240 99%

South East £181,440 £21,680 £48,670 107%

Berkshire £26,860 £31,900 £58,120 136%

Sources: GVA data – ONS, Headline1 Gross Value Added (GVA)2,3 by NUTS3 area at current basic prices by

region. Population Estimates – ONS, mid‐year population estimates. Workers – ONS, Annual Business Inquiry.

.…and is growing much faster than the England average

3.5 As well as being amongst the largest centres in the UK in terms of GVA in absolute terms,

Berkshire’s rate of GVA growth has consistently outstripped that of the South East and

England growing by 136% between 1998 and 2008 (almost 30 percentage points more than

the regional average). The area’s consistently greater rates of GVA growth over the past ten

years has helped Berkshire to widen the gap between its GVA performance and regional and

national comparators.

119,500

64,400

41,100

32,250

28,000

26,850

26,850

26,000

24,250

23,900

22,650

21,550

20,200

19,450

17,850

16,900

16,300

15,700

15,500

15,400

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

140,000Inner London ‐West

Inner London ‐East

Outer London ‐West and …

Greater Manchester South

Surrey

Ham

pshire CC

Berkshire

Hertfordshire

Essex CC

Kent CC

Outer London ‐East and …

Outer London ‐South

Birmingham

Lancashire CC

Leeds

Glasgow City

Edinburgh, City of

West Sussex

Greater Manchester North

Tyneside

2008 GVA (£ millions)


Page 21

3.6 Berkshire’s GVA per worker has increased steadily along with the national and regional GVA

per worker. The rate of increase has accelerated in recent years, widening the gap between

Berkshire’s GVA per worker and that of England as a whole. Berkshire’s GVA per worker has

increased by an average of 5% each year since 1998 (compared to 4% nationally).

Figure 3‐2: Indexed change in total GVA (1995 = 100)

Sources: GVA data – ONS, Headline1 Gross Value Added (GVA)2,3 by NUTS3 area at current basic prices by

region. Population Estimates – ONS, mid‐year population estimates. Workers – ONS, Annual Business Inquiry.

3.7 There is also some indication that Berkshire’s economy may have been less badly affected by

the economic slowdown than elsewhere (although as the data only extends to 2008 it only

captures the beginning of the slowdown). Nationally and regionally, the rate of GVA per

worker growth slowed by two percentage points between 2007 and 2008, while in Berkshire

GVA per worker remained constant. This suggests that Berkshire retained its higher value

employment base in the early stages of the economic slowdown (although this is no

50

100

150

200

250

1 995

1 996

1 997

1 998

1 999

2 000

2 001

2 002

2 003

2 004

2 005

2 006

2 007

2008

Indexed change

in GVA (1995 = 100)

England South East Berkshire

£10,000

£20,000

£30,000

£40,000

£50,000

£60,000

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

GVA (£s)

GVA per head and GVA per worker

England ‐ GVA per head England ‐ GVA per worker

South East ‐ GVA per head South East ‐ GVA per worker

Berkshire GVA per head Berkshire ‐GVA per worker


Page 22

guarantee that there has not been a substantial impact since).

Business services and finance is a core sector…

3.8 Berkshire’s economy is underpinned by a strong and well established business services and

finance sector. Two out of every five pounds of Berkshire’s GVA is created by this sector,

which accounts for 42% of total GVA in Berkshire compared to just 34% nationally. The

heavy weighting of Berkshire’s GVA output towards business services and finance is a

combination of the high GVA nature of much of the activity in this sector as well as the very

high volume and concentration of employment and business activity within Berkshire’s

economy.

Table 3‐2: GVA by broad sector (2008)

Sector England South East Berkshire

GVA (£ millions)

% of total

GVA (£ millions)

% of total

GVA (£ millions)

% of total

Business services & finance £373,350 34% £63,600 35% £11,250 42%

Distrib, transport & comms £249,250 23% £39,900 22% £4,000 15%

Public administration £239,100 22% £43,150 24% £7,050 26%

Production £145,350 13% £21,650 12% £3,100 12%

Construction £68,250 6% £11,950 7% £1,400 5%

Agri, forestry and fishing £8,000 1% £1,150 1% £50 0%

Total £1,083,300 100% £181,450 100% £26,850 100%


3.9 The high value nature of Berkshire’s economy if further underlined by the much smaller

proportion of Berkshire’s GVA that is generated by lower value activities such as distribution,

transport and communications (which includes retail). This sector accounts for just 15% of

Berkshire’s GVA, compared to almost a quarter (23%) nationally.

…and its share of GVA production has been growing

3.10 In keeping with the national trend, Berkshire’s economy has seen an increase in the

importance of business services and finance alongside a movement away from

manufacturing and other forms of production. This is underlined in Figure 3‐3 which shows

the percentage point change in the proportion of total GVA accounted for by each section

between 1998 and 2008.

3.11 The share of Berkshire’s GVA generated by business services and finance increased by four

percentage points (to 42% of the total) in this ten year period. Although this was a smaller

shift than nationally or regionally, this is partly a reflection of the head start Berkshire had in

these industries; This sector’s current share of national GVA (34%) is yet to catch up with the

proportion of Berkshire’s GVA that was created by finance and business services in 1998.


Page 23

Figure 3‐3: Change in proportion of total GVA accounted for by broad sectors (1998‐2008)


Increased productivity and employment has driven GVA growth…

3.12 Berkshire is clearly a strong performer in terms of wealth generation and there is evidence

of a high value economy. While Berkshire’s recent GVA growth has been down to a

combination of absolute increases in activity (i.e. employment) and productivity

improvements, there is evidence to suggest that improvements in productivity have played

the largest role in driving up Berkshire’s GVA.

3.13 Figure 3‐4 plots the relationship between GVA change and increases/decreases in total

employment between 2003 and 2008 for all NUTS3 areas in the UK. These is clearly a

positive relationship overall with absolute increases in employment driving a corresponding

increase in total GVA in most areas although the strength of this relationship differs between

areas. In Berkshire, GVA increased by c. 16% overall between 2003 and 2008 (once data had

been adjusted into a constant price base) amongst the largest increases of all the areas. In

the same period, the number of jobs increased by just under 8%. This suggests that some of

Berkshire’s recent growth has been down to increases in productivity alongside absolute

changes in employment and activity i.e. that a sizeable proportion of the jobs created in this

period were high value added.

‐8.2%

‐1%

0%

1%

2%

7%

‐6.8%

‐1%

0%

1%

2%

4%

‐7%

1%

0%

1%

0%

3.7%

‐10% ‐5% 0% 5% 10%

Production

Distribution, transport and communication

Agriculture, forestry and fishing

Construction

Public Admin

Business Services and finance

Change in % total GVA accounted for by sector Berkshire South East England


Page 24

Figure 3‐4: Change in GVA and growth in employment (2003‐2008) for all UK NUTS 3 areas

Source: GVA data – ONS, Headline1 Gross Value Added (GVA)2,3 by NUTS3 area at current basic prices by region

and employment data from Annual Business Inquiry Workplace Analysis. ONS Nomis (www.nomisweb.co.uk) ©

Crown Copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the controller of HMSO.

Note: Annual GVA figures have been adjusted to 2008 prices using HM Treasury annual GDP deflators

3.14 This may be linked to sectoral trends in GVA per worker over recent years. Figure 3‐5 shows

that in all sectors apart from construction, Berkshire’s GVA per worker is markedly higher

than the nationally or regionally. In particular, Berkshire’s GVA per worker in the production

sector (which includes manufacturing) has grown rapidly over recent years and far

outstripped the national and regional rates. The current GVA per worker in this sector is

£87,000 (£28,000 per worker more than the national average and almost £20,000 per

worker more than the regional average). This extremely high GVA per job in the production

sector is most likely related to the presence of high value, advanced manufacturing (such as

pharmaceuticals and medical instruments).

Sefton

Surrey

Solihull

Cambridgeshire CC

Essex CC

Inner London West

Inner London East

Berkshire

Edinburgh

Falkirk

Shetland Islands

‐10%

‐5%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

‐15% ‐10% ‐5% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20%

% increase in GVA

% increase in employment


Page 25

Figure 3‐5: Relationship between GVA change and Employment Change: GVA per employee (1998 – 2007)

Source: GVA data – ONS, Headline1 Gross Value Added (GVA)2,3 by NUTS3 area at current basic prices by region and employment

data from Annual Business Inquiry Workplace Analysis. ONS Nomis (www.nomisweb.co.uk) © Crown Copyright material is

reproduced with the permission of the controller of HMSO.

Very high levels of disposable household income…

3.15 The relative wealth of Berkshire is clearly evident in its high gross disposable household

income per head (£17,550). While the increase in disposable household income per head

between 2003 and 2008 (15%) was slightly less than that occurring nationally during the

same period, Berkshire remains a long way ahead of the national average and has a gross

disposable household income more than £2,600 per head greater than the national average.

£20,000

£30,000

£40,000

£50,000

£60,000

£70,000

£80,000

£90,000

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

GVA

per employee (£)

All Industrial Groups


£20,000

£30,000

£40,000

£50,000

£60,000

£70,000

£80,000

£90,000

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

GVA per employee (£)

Business Services and Finance


£20,000

£30,000

£40,000

£50,000

£60,000

£70,000

£80,000

£90,000

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

GVA

per employee (£)

Construction


£20,000

£30,000

£40,000

£50,000

£60,000

£70,000

£80,000

£90,000

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

GVA

per em

ployee (£)

Distribution, Transport and Communications


£20,000

£30,000

£40,000

£50,000

£60,000

£70,000

£80,000

£90,000

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

GVA per em

ployee (£)

Production


£20,000

£30,000

£40,000

£50,000

£60,000

£70,000

£80,000

£90,000

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

GVA per employee

(£)

Public Admin, health and other services



Page 26

Table 3‐3: Gross Disposable Household Income

Total Gross Disposable Household Income

Gross Disposable Household Income per head

2008 (£millions)

% change 1998 ‐ 2008

% change 2003 ‐ 2008

2008 (£ per head)

% change 1998 – 2008

% change 2003 ‐ 2008

Berkshire 14 697 48% 20% 17 573 41% 15%

UK 913 964 53% 20% 14 889 45% 17%

South East Region 140 720 51% 19% 16 792 42% 15%

Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire

38 991 51% 20% 17 710 42% 15%

Surrey, East and West Sussex 48 284 51% 20% 18 168 43% 16%

Hampshire and Isle of Wight 27 956 49% 16% 15 025 41% 13%

Kent 25 489 55% 20% 15 354 45% 16%

Source: ONS, NUTS3.2 Headline1 gross disposable household income (and income per head) at current basic prices

3.16 Figure 3‐6 provides some indication of how far ahead of the regional and national averages

Berkshire is on this indicator; although the rate of increase nationally is slightly greater than

in Berkshire, this has not had a marked impact on the gap.

Figure 3‐6: Gross Disposable Household Income per head 1994 – 2008

Source: ONS, NUTS3.2 Headline1 gross disposable household income per head at current basic prices

Future Prospects

3.17 GVA projections for Berkshire suggest that growth will continue and that East Berkshire’s

contribution to regional GVA will become more important. Economic projections suggest

that East Berkshire’s GVA will increase from its 2008 level of £7,640 million to £12,830

million by 2030. GVA per job is projected to increase within both Slough and RBWM, with a

notable acceleration in the pace of GVA per job increase in Slough after 2015.

£6

£8

£10

£12

£14

£16

£18

£20

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008Gross Disposible Household Income (£000s)

UK South East Region Berkshire


Page 27

3.18 These projections are based on Cambridge Econometrics’ Integrated Policy Model which

projects GVA growth based on the codetermination of the locations between employment

and population. The model also factors in a range of industry, area and occupation specific

factors to ensure the model can reflect the primary social and economic drivers of location

decision of individual, families and firms.

Table 3‐4: GVA projections to 2030

UK Slough RBWM

2030 GVA

% change2008‐2030

2030 GVA

% change2008‐2030

2030 GVA

% change2008‐2030

Agriculture £7,500 3% £1 ‐19% £10 ‐11%

Mining & Quarrying £1,900 ‐45% £0 ‐49% £1 ‐48%

Manufacturing £169,300 14% £770 31% £230 0%

Electricity, Gas & Water £17,400 4% £70 ‐1% £1 0%

Construction £86,600 19% £260 18% £420 24%

Distribution, Hotels etc £270,600 56% £790 54% £910 65%

Transport & Communications £169,100 92% £1,450 101% £560 112%

Fin., Bus. & Other Mkt. Service £692,800 91% £2,680 83% £3,560 94%

Non‐Market Services £294,500 38% £500 32% £610 35%

Total £1,709,900 57% £6,520 65% £6,300 71%

Source: Cambridge Econometrics Integrated Policy Model

3.19 These projections suggest that high productivity sectors will continue to drive growth; East

Berkshire’s GVA is projected to increase by 68% overall between 2008 and 2030 while

employment will grow by c. 14% in the same period. The sectoral forecasts presented in

Figure 3‐7 and Table 3‐4 illustrate the anticipation that financial, businesses and other

market services will continue to be a core part of economic growth in both Slough and

Windsor and Maidenhead.

3.20 The forecasts suggest that growth in this sector will be particularly significant in RBWM and

will far outstrip the rate of increase in other sectors. It is expected that, like RBWM, Slough’s

financial, business and other market services sector will continue to provide the lion’s share

of the authority’s GVA but the rate of increase will not outstrip the other sectors as

markedly as in RBWM. The rate is expected to be broadly similar to that of the transport and

communications sector (which includes telecommunications, a key sector strength for

Slough).


Page 28

Figure 3‐7: Sectoral GVA forecasts


3.21 GVA per job is expected to continue to grow for East Berkshire as a whole, although the

increase in overall productivity in Slough looks set to be markedly larger than that

anticipated for RBWM. Between 2008 and 2030, it is anticipated that national GVA per job

will increase by 38%; RBWM’s projected increase of 39% compares favourably but is

outstripped significantly by the projected increase of 48% for Slough.

£0

£500

£1,000

£1,500

£2,000

£2,500

£3,000

£3,500

£4,000

1981

1986

1991

1996

2001

2006

2011

2016

2021

2026

£GVA in £ m

illion

Slough

Manufacturing Electricity, Gas & Water

Construction Distribution, Hotels etc

Transport & Communications Fin., Bus. & Other Mkt. Services

Non‐Market Services

£0

£500

£1,000

£1,500

£2,000

£2,500

£3,000

£3,500

£4,000

1981

1986

1991

1996

2001

2006

2011

2016

2021

2026

£GVA in £ m

illion

Windsor and Maidenhead

Manufacturing Electricity, Gas & Water

Construction Distribution, Hotels etc

Transport & Communications Fin., Bus. & Other Mkt. Services

Non‐Market Services


Page 29

Table 3‐5: GVA per job projections to 2030

UK Slough RBWM

2030 GVA per job

% change2008‐2030

2030 GVA per

job

% change2008‐2030

2030 GVA per

job

% change2008‐2030

Agriculture £21 46% £14 43% £14 43%

Mining & Quarrying £45 7% £82 15% £82 15%

Manufacturing £79 56% £100 82% £100 82%

Electricity, Gas & Water £214 64% £240 59% £240 59%

Construction £39 25% £45 33% £45 33%

Distribution, Hotels etc £37 43% £42 45% £42 45%

Transport & Communications £84 84% £124 102% £124 102%

Fin., Bus. & Other Mkt. Service £61 37% £74 28% £72 28%

Non‐Market Services £31 14% £33 15% £33 15%

Total £48 38% £68 48% £59 39%


3.22 This is largely due to Slough’s concentrations of employment in two key industries where

GVA per jobs is expected to increase significantly (manufacturing and transport and

communications). As Table 3‐5 shows, the model is based on assumptions about local GVA

per job in each of the broad sectors so sectoral GVA per jobs is the same in Slough and

RBWM. Slough’s existing concentrations of employment in very high GVA per job industries

means that the large increases expected in these sectors will result in a much larger overall

increase in Slough’s productivity.

Figure 3‐8: Projections for GVA per Job in Berkshire and Comparators

Source: Berkshire Observatory (2010) Berkshire, an economic forecast to 2026. http://www.berkshireobservatory.org/downloads/pdf/Berkshire‐An%20Economic%20Forecast.pdf

£0

£10

£20

£30

£40

£50

£60

£70

£80

1981

1986

1991

1996

2001

2006

2011

2016

2021

2026

GVA

per

wor

ker

UK South East Slough Windsor and Maidenhead


Page 30

Summary and Policy Implications

3.23 Berkshire is evidently in a strong position with regard to wealth generation; it is amongst the

highest GVA areas in the UK and has a particularly high level of GVA per worker, owing to the

concentration of higher value sectors in the economy. Although GVA growth projections

suggest that Berkshire’s GVA will continue to grow and the area’s contribution to the South

East’s economy will increase, the projections also suggest that Berkshire will no longer be

setting the pace for GVA productivity in the region – Surrey and West Sussex are predicted

to overtake Berkshire in terms of GVA per job (although the difference between the three

area’s productivity will be marginal).

3.24 Key policy considerations with regard to wealth generation in Berkshire should include

Diversification of the economic base. Strong growth in GVA from business services

and finance has clearly been a source of much of the wealth generation in Berkshire,

although there may be signs that the area’s economy has become too specialised in,

and reliant upon, this sector. The impact of the recession on this sector is not yet

evident in GVA figures but the strong reliance on finance and business services

activity for wealth generation in the area may have left Berkshire particularly

vulnerable to recessionary impacts (it is already known that this sector was amongst

the hardest hit by the recession). Although it is a key wealth generator, there may

be a case for considering approaches to broadening East Berkshire’s economic base

to protect the area from sudden contractions in any one sector.

Maintain performance. It will be very important to avoid becoming complacent in

light of the recent strength of Berkshire’s economic performance. Global, as well as

national and local, drivers are becoming increasingly critical factors in local

economic performance. This is particularly true of sectors in which Berkshire has

specialisms (e.g. financial services and banking). As global competitive pressure on

these sectors looks set to increase, interventions should focus on nurturing and

protecting these successful industries as well as investing in growth industries such

as those associated with the low carbon economy.

Maintain Berkshire’s profile. New economies such as the BRIC countries will provide

opportunities for FDI flows into the region although the extent to which this occurs

in the short to medium term will depend to some extent on exchange rate

movements that, in turn, will be a function of UK Government monetary policy

focused primarily on supporting the UK economy out of the current recession. For

example, an ongoing suppression of the value of Sterling versus other global

currencies (especially the US dollar) may accelerate FDI from certain regions. As one

of the top wealth generating areas in the UK, Berkshire is a key driver of national

economic growth and partners should look to ensure the likely impact of national

policy on the area’s economy is understood and highlighted.


Page 31

4. Employment in East Berkshire

4.1 This chapter provides an overview of the size and structure of East Berkshire’s employment

base. The analysis draws on a detailed interrogation of key socio economic datasets and

highlights key messages about the sectoral structure of East Berkshire’s economy in relation

to key national, regional and local comparator areas, the geographic distribution of

employment and key sources of growth.

Employment – Key Characteristics

East Berkshire is a key source of employment in the Thames Valley Berkshire area; accounting for more than a third of the total for the LEP area. The volume of employment in East Berkshire is split fairly equally between Slough and RBWM with both supporting around 75,000 jobs.

Although employment levels have been unstable over recent years, East Berkshire’s economy has fared better than the TVB area as a whole (in which employment grew by only 1% overall between 2003 and 2008 compared to 2% in East Berkshire).

The key focal points for employment growth have been the western (more recently developed) side of Slough Trading Estate, areas to the south of Maidenhead and Clewer village.

East Berkshire’s job density of 0.9 is amongst the highest of the comparator areas and 0.2 jobs

per resident greater than the national and regional average. Slough’s job density is slightly (but not significantly) greater than RBWM’s.

There is a strong weighting towards full time work, with almost three quarters (73%) of the

workforce being in full time employment. This is largely related to the particular concentration of full time employment in Slough, where 78% of the employment is provided on a full time basis.

Windsor and Maidenhead has a particularly strong concentration of employment in small businesses with businesses with less than 10 employees accounting for 26% of jobs compared to 21% nationally (and just 14% in Slough). Conversely, Slough’s employment base is weighted more heavily towards larger employers; 35% of the borough’s jobs are in companies employing more than 200 people

Employment in East Berkshire is less dependent on the public sector than nationally – it accounts for 27% of employment nationally but is much less concentrated in East Berkshire where just 18% of employment is in the public sector. In Slough, the proportion is smaller still at 16%.

The employment base is dominated by higher value activities including

- Banking, finance and insurance. And particularly the higher value activities within this sector including IT and Software, business management and consultancy.

- Telecommunications. Employment is particularly focused around the Slough Trading Estate and employs more than 5,000 people across East Berkshire

- Manufacturing. Predominantly in Slough where there is strong representation of higher value manufacturing (e.g. pharmaceuticals / medical instruments) as well as more traditional manufacturing (e.g. confectionary).

- Tourism. Tourism employment is particularly important in RBWM with a key concentration in Windsor and Eton

Recent employment change has followed national trends i.e. employment in the public sector has increased, manufacturing employment has contracted (particularly in lower value sectors, although growth in higher value sectors has not been enough to maintain the overall size of the sector) and employment in banking, finance and insurance has increased.


Page 32

Key employment centres in Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead

4.2 Figure 4‐1 shows the distribution of employment across East Berkshire. The principal

concentrations of employment are in the area’s town centres (Slough, Windsor and Eton,

and Maidenhead) although (unsurprisingly) there is also a high concentration of

employment on Slough Trading Estate.

4.3 Outside of the key centres, there are some additional pockets of employment in RBWM,

particularly along the M4 corridor around Littlefield Green and adjacent to the A404 (just

south of Maidenhead town centre). There is also a notable concentration of employment

around Ascot and Cheapside.

Figure 4‐1: Distribution of employment in East Berkshire (2009)

Source: Business Register and Employment Survey, 2009. ONS Nomis (www.nomisweb.co.uk) © Crown Copyright material is

reproduced with the permission of the controller of HMSO. Source: Digital Mapping Solutions from Dotted Eyes. Reproduced

by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the controller of HMSO © Crown Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Licence

number 10001998

Recent instability in employment levels…

4.4 East Berkshire is a key source of employment in the Thames Valley Berkshire area;

accounting for more than a third of the total for the LEP area. The volume of employment in

East Berkshire is split fairly equally between Slough and RBWM with both supporting around

75,000 jobs as shown below.


Page 33

Table 4‐1 Summary of 2009 Employment in East Berkshire and Comparators

Employment Centres Local Authority Areas Wider Geographies

Area 2009 Employment Area 2009 Employment Area 2009 Employment

Slough Centre 18,500 Slough 80,800 East Berkshire 159,000

Slough Trading Estate 16,700 RBWM 78,200 Thames Valley LEP 473,000

Maidenhead Centre 12,600 Hillingdon 182,600 South East 3,913,400

Windsor and Eton Centre 12,200 Hounslow 125,500 Great Britain 27,970,900

Basingstoke Centre 16,800 Reading 96,100

High Wycombe Centre 16,200 South Bucks 34,200

Hounslow Centre 10,900 Spelthorne 37,600

Reading Centre 40,100 Wycombe 78,700

Uxbridge 17,300

Source: Business Register and Employment Survey (BRES)

4.5 It is important to understand trends in employment over time. However, there are

difficulties due to the fact that ABI data has been replaces by BRES data for 2008/09 (see

note below). We have therefore only been able to look at trends in employment between

2003 and 2008.

Understanding the impact of the recession on employment The replacement of the Annual Business Inquiry (ABI) with the Business Register and Employment Survey (BRES) introduces a discontinuity in the datasets that significantly affects analysis of recessionary impacts. This makes it difficult to identify the scale of impact of the recession on employment levels in East Berkshire. Methodological differences between the ABI data (which is available for 1998 – 2008) and the BRES data (available for 2008 and 2009) mean that trends between the two should not be compared. The timing of this discontinuity means that it is not possible to look at the impact of the recession on the number of jobs. As a result, there is a trade off in the analysis of employment levels and business numbers between having the most up to data figures (from BRES for 2009) and being able to analyse trends over the past 10 years (using ABI up to 2008). For the most part, the analysis presented in this chapter draws on ABI trend data but supplements this with BRES data for 2009 where appropriate.

4.6 Although employment grew overall between 2003 and 2008, the number of jobs in East

Berkshire has fluctuated significantly over recent years and the changes year to year have

affected the two boroughs in East Berkshire differently. While employment in RBWM

decreased by 1,600 between 2007 and 2008, Slough’s employment actually increased by

2,600. While this could be interpreted as suggesting a more resilient economy in Slough, it is

important to note that this recent growth was preceded by a substantial contraction in

employment between 2005 and 2007.


Page 34

Table 4‐2: East Berkshire Local Authorities and comparators ‐ Employment ‐ 2002‐2007 (000s)

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 % change 2003‐08

Slough 74.1 73.2 75.6 73.7 72.8 75.4 2%

Windsor & Maidenhead 73.0 75.7 75.0 74.0 76.6 75.0 3%

Hillingdon 168.4 178.7 181.4 183.4 187.4 188.6 12%

Hounslow 119.9 117.8 121.4 114.4 118.7 121.5 1%

Reading 99.0 102.2 98.4 93.3 98.7 97.3 ‐2%

South Bucks 29.1 29.5 29.0 28.5 30.8 31.1 7%

Spelthorne 39.9 38.9 41.0 37.9 37.3 36.6 ‐8%

Wycombe 83.8 88.1 83.8 75.8 75.7 75.9 ‐9%

East Berkshire 147.1 148.9 150.6 147.7 149.4 150.3 2%

TVB LEP area 390 390 390 385 397 394 1%

South East 3,600 3,630 3,730 3,640 3,700 3,730 3%

GB 25,550 25,900 26,330 26,170 26,420 26,490 4%

Source: Annual Business Inquiry Workplace Analysis. ONS Nomis (www.nomisweb.co.uk) © Crown Copyright

material is reproduced with the permission of the controller of HMSO.

4.7 Employment levels have been unstable but East Berkshire’s economy has fared better than

the TVB area as a whole (in which employment grew by only 1% overall between 2003 and

2008 compared to 2% in East Berkshire). East Berkshire has also performed well in relation

to local comparators such as Spelthorne and Wycombe, both of which have seen very large

decreases in employment in the same period.

…and contraction of employment in town centres

4.8 Employment growth appears to have been occurring outside of East Berkshire’s main urban

areas. All of the town centres in East Berkshire have all seen a marked contraction in

employment. This has been particularly dramatic in Slough town centre where the 20%

reduction in employment equates to almost 4,000 jobs. This trend towards shrinking overall

employment levels in town centres has been reflected in some, but not all, comparator town

centres. For example, while High Wycombe centre has seen a particularly acute reduction in

employment (by almost a third) employment in Basingstoke town centre has increased by

14% and by 9% in Uxbridge.

Table 4‐3: East Berkshire town centres and comparators ‐ Employment (2002‐2007)

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 %

change 2002‐07

East Berkshire 147.1 148.9 150.6 147.7 149.4 150.3 2%

Slough Town Centre 18.9 18.8 17.1 14.5 15.0 15.1 ‐20%

Slough Trading Estate 17.4 17.1 17.7 16.8 15.3 16.6 ‐5%

Windsor and Eton 11.8 12.1 12.0 11.5 11.5 11.2 ‐5%

Maidenhead 16.1 16.6 15.4 14.8 17.1 15.0 ‐7%

Basingstoke 14.4 14.3 14.6 14.0 14.8 16.4 14%

High Wycombe 22.4 21.9 22.5 16.6 15.7 15.3 ‐32%

Hounslow 11.6 11.9 11.9 10.2 10.9 10.9 ‐6%

Reading 43.1 47.9 45.1 41.5 42.9 41.5 ‐4%

Uxbridge 16.2 17.4 17.6 16.5 14.4 17.6 9%




Page 35

4.9 Figure 4‐2 and Figure 4‐3 show the geographical distribution of employment change in East

Berkshire in the last five years. The key focal points for growth have been the western

(more recently developed) side of Slough Trading Estate, areas to the south of Maidenhead

and Clewer village.

4.10 Loss of employment has evidently been focused on East Berkshire’s town centres (shown in

Figure 4‐3) although there has also been some considerable losses of employment in the

areas surrounding Maidenhead town centre and towards the south of the county around

Ascot and Cheapside. Although less in absolute terms than the declines in employment in

town centres, the losses of employment around Ascot actually represent a decrease of some

40% in the number of jobs in this area.

4.11 The large differences in trajectories of the two sides of the Slough Trading Estate are

notable. While employment on the more recently developed western side of the estate has

grown dramatically (by c.800 jobs between 2003 and 2008) there has been a sharp decline in

employment on the older, eastern side. These losses on the more established parts of the

trading estate have outstripped employment generated through new development on the

western side, leading to a net loss of 5% of employment across the Trading Estate as a

whole.


Page 36

Slough Trading Estate The Slough Trading Estate (STE) is Europe’s largest trading estate in single ownership and is one of East Berkshire’s central employment

hubs ‐ 22% of Slough’s employment is located on the Trading Estate.

As well as being a key employer in Slough, the trading estate is a key driver of economic growth across East Berkshire and the wider

South East. More than one in ten of East Berkshire’s jobs are located on the Trading Estate and it accounts for a large amount of the net

in commuting to Slough (c. 13,0001 in commuters to STE each day). Almost 2,500 residents of RBWM commute to the trading estate for

work.

STE supports a broad base of employment activities and there are key concentrations of employment in

Manufacturing: the 4,700 employees in the manufacturing sector represent 28% of the total employment on STE. This is almost three times the concentration of manufacturing employment as occurs nationally (the sector has an LQ of 2.8). Manufacture of confectionary is a core manufacturing sector, with Mars being a key anchor for this sector on the trading estate. There is also a concentration of employment in very high value sectors including manufacturing of pharmaceuticals (LQ = 9.1) and manufacture of medical and surgical equipment (LQ = 7.1).

Real estate, renting and business activities: Employment in this sector account for a quarter of STE’s total and is slightly more concentrated than nationally, with an LQ of 1.4. Key sectors include software consultancy and supply, which has grown by more than 50% since 2003 and labour / personnel recruitment.

Telecommunications: There is a key concentration of telecommunications employment of STE. The sector employs 1,800 people (11% of the total for the trading estate) and is more than fourteen times more concentrated on STE than nationally. Telecommunications employment has grown extremely rapidly over the past five years, increasing by more than 80% since 2003.

Like nationally, employment in manufacturing has been declining on STE, and decreased by 26% between 2003 and 2008. This decline

appears to have been focused on more traditional manufacturing sectors (including confectionary, which lost 30% of its employment

since 2003) while more advanced manufacturing sectors have been growing steadily. Declines in manufacturing employment have been

focused on the older part of the trading estate, which has a greater concentration of manufacturing businesses. Employment on the

more recently developed, western side of the trading estate is focused on more R&D intensive, high value activities and has been

growing steadily over recent years.

Table 4‐4: Overview of employment on Slough Trading Estate

Section Total

Employees

2008

% of Total

% change

2003 –

2008

LQ vs GB LQ vs East

Berkshire

D : Manufacturing 4,700 28% ‐26% 2.8 3.3

K : Real estate, renting & business 4,150 25% ‐8% 1.4 0.9

G : Wholesale and retail trade 3,250 20% ‐2% 1.2 1.1

I : Transport, storage & comms 2,500 15% 53% 2.6 1.5

F : Construction 1,000 6% 66% 1.2 1.1

H : Hotels and restaurants 300 2% ‐18% 0.3 0.3

O : Community, social personal service 250 2% 74% 0.3 0.3

E : Electricity, gas and water supply 150 1% 0% 1.9 2.5

J : Financial intermediation 100 1% 3% 0.2 0.4

N : Health and social work 100 1% 141% 0.1 0.1

M : Education 100 0% ‐66% 0.0 0.1

Column Total 16,600 100% ‐5% 1.0 1.0



1 Note: This is based on travel to work data from the 2001 Census, which is available to ward level only. The STE area has been defined using a 2003 CAS ward best fit, which it not entirely congruous to the estate’s boundaries, so may also encompass some commuter destinations outside of the trading estate. The wards included in the definition are (Baylis and Stoke, Cippenham Green, Farnham and Haymill). See appendix for more details.


Page 37

Figure 4‐2: Employment Growth 2003 ‐2008

Source: Annual Business Inquiry. ONS Nomis (www.nomisweb.co.uk) © Crown Copyright material is reproduced with the

permission of the controller of HMSO. Source: Digital Mapping Solutions from Dotted Eyes. Reproduced by permission of

Ordnance Survey on behalf of the controller of HMSO © Crown Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Licence number 10001998


Page 38

Figure 4‐3: Employment Loss 2003 – 2008





Page 39

Very high job density…

4.12 East Berkshire’s job density of 0.9 is amongst the highest of the comparator areas and 0.2

jobs per resident greater than the national and regional average. Only Hillingdon and

Reading have larger job densities. Broadly speaking, job density is consistent across East

Berkshire; Slough’s job density is slightly greater than RBWM’s (but not significantly so),

although there has been a slight decrease between 2003 and 2008.

As East Berkshire’s main employment centres, it is not surprising that job densities within

town centres are significantly greater than those for the boroughs as a whole (in spite of the

significant loss of central employment over recent years). However, the analysis presented

in Figure 4‐5 should be treated cautiously and viewed to provide only indicative estimates of

town centre job density. None of the Super Output Area best fits used to define these town

centres are a perfect fit to the actual town centre boundaries. All of the SOA best fit areas

take in some residential space outside the town centre boundary but to varying degrees. As

a result, the marked differences in job densities between these areas are likely to be related

to the extent to which the best fit areas take in non town centre areas as opposed to the

true job densities. Maps to show the SOA best fit areas used in this analysis are provided in

Appendix A.

Figure 4‐4: East Berkshire Local Authorities and Comparators Job density 2003 – 2008

Source: Annual Business Inquiry Workplace Analysis. and mid‐year population estimates. ONS Nomis

(www.nomisweb.co.uk) © Crown Copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the controller of

HMSO

1.0

1.0

0.9

0.9

0.8 0.8 0.8

0.7

0.7 0.7

1.1

1.0

0.9

0.9

0.9

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.0

1.2

Hillingdon

Reading

Slough

Tham

es Valley LEP

Windsor and

Maidenhead

South Bucks

Hounslow

Wycombe

South East

England and W

ales

Spelthorne

Job density

2003 2008 East Berkshire 2008


Page 40

..but a low self employment rate

4.13 East Berkshire’s self employment rate of 12% is slightly below that of Great Britain, although

there is a real difference between levels of self employment in Slough and RBWM. Slough’s

self employment rate is particularly low at 8% (five percentage points less than the GB

average) while RBWM’s is much higher at 12%.

Figure 4‐5: East Berkshire town centres and comparators Job density 2003 ‐ 2008

Source: Annual Business Inquiry Workplace Analysis. and mid‐year population estimates. ONS Nomis

(www.nomisweb.co.uk) © Crown Copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the controller of

HMSO

4.14 Self employment is evidently much more common in RBWM than elsewhere although

RBWM was one of only two areas (Reading being the other) where the rate of self

employment decreased between 2005 and 2010. The sharp drop in RBWM’s self

employment rate between 2005 and 2010 is due to combination of a sharp increase in WAP

(by almost 10,000) but also a marked decline in the number of self employed people (by

2,000 people).

14.9

8.2

5.5 6.

1

4.4 5.

4

4.1

2.9

1.2

11.5

6.7

6.3

5.3

3.7

3.5

2.9

2.4

0.8

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

Basingstoke Centre

Reading Centre

Uxbridge


Maidenhead

Centre

High Wycom

be Centre

Slough Centre

Windsor and

Eton Centre

Hounslow Centre

Job Density

2003 2008 East Berkshire 2008


Page 41

Figure 4‐6: East Berkshire Local Authorities and comparators ‐ Self employment rate

Source: Annual Population Survey . ONS Nomis (www.nomisweb.co.uk) © Crown Copyright material is


Figure 4‐7: Number of self employed residents ( 2004‐2010)

Source: Annual Population Survey . ONS Nomis (www.nomisweb.co.uk) © Crown Copyright material is reproduced with the

permission of the controller of HMSO.

4.15 Figure 4‐7 shows recent trends in the number of self employed people in Slough and RBWM;

there is evidently a trend towards declining number of self employed people in RBWM and

the recession appears to have had a more noticeable effect on the borough’s stocks of self

employed residents than Slough’s – there was a notable decline in the number of self

employed people during 2008.

16%

16%

14%

13%

9%

17%

13%

8%

11%

7% 8%

8%

21%

17%

15%

13%

13%

12%

12%

10%

10%

10%

8%

6%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

South Bucks

Wycombe

South East

Great Britain

Hounslow

Windsor and

Maidenhead

East Berkshire

Hillingdon

Tham

es Valley LEP

Spelthorne

Slough

Reading

Self employm

ent rate

2005 2010

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

Jan‐04

May‐04

Sep‐04

Jan‐05

May‐05

Sep‐05

Jan‐06

May‐06

Sep‐06

Jan‐07

May‐07

Sep‐07

Jan‐08

May‐08

Sep‐08

Jan‐09

May‐09Number of self employed residents

Slough RBWM Slough ‐ Trend RBWM ‐ Trend


Page 42

Figure 4‐8: Working proprietors

Source: Business Register Employment Survey. ONS Nomis (www.nomisweb.co.uk) © Crown Copyright material is reproduced

with the permission of the controller of HMSO. Digital Mapping Solutions from Dotted Eyes. Reproduced by permission of


4.16 Figure 4‐8 maps the location of ‘working proprietors’ available through BRES. This includes

sole traders, sole proprietors, partners and directors (most of those who would be classed as

self employed). Outside of Slough’s main employment centres (the trading estate and town

centre) there are very few working proprietors. Conversely, there is a much stronger

presence of working proprietors outside of RBWM’s employment centres and particularly

around Ascot and Cheapside. The relative affluence of RBWM’s resident population in

comparison to Slough’s is likely to be a significant factor in this disparity between enterprise

rates in the two boroughs. The relative wealth RBWM’s population will significantly lower

barriers to enterprise. However, the comparatively low rate of self employment in Slough is

still surprising, given the ethnic diversity of the area’s population. Consultations with

partners suggest a number of likely causes of this low rate including:

Dominance of larger employers. Lower levels of enterprise can often be found in

areas where large employers have historically dominated. There are a number of

large employers in Slough including those on the Slough Trading Estate such as

Lonza, Telefonica O2, UCB and Mars.

Lack of suitable premises for start up businesses. This is potentially linked to the

dominance of larger employers which may have skewed the provision of sites and

premises towards the needs of larger employers at the expense of smaller, more

flexible space suitable for start up businesses e.g. incubator space, enterprise hubs

etc.


Page 43

Full time employment dominates, particularly in Slough…

4.17 East Berkshire as a whole has a stronger weighting towards full time work than regionally or

nationally with almost three quarters (73%) of the workforce being in full time employment ‐

five percentage points more than nationally. The breakdown between full and part time

employment in RBWM does not differ markedly from the national picture but Slough’s

employment differs considerably.

Table 4‐5 East Berkshire Local Authorities and comparators ‐ Full and part time employment in 000s (2003 ‐08)

2003 2008 % change 2003‐08

Full time

Part time % part time

Full time

Part time % part time

Full time

Part time

Slough 58 17 22% 59 17 22% 59 2%

RBWM 50 23 31% 52 23 30% 4% 0%

Hillingdon 129 39 23% 147 42 22% 13% 8%

Hounslow 93 27 22% 91 31 25% ‐3% 15%

Reading 70 29 29% 70 27 28% 0% ‐7%

South Bucks 20 9 31% 22 9 29% 10% 2%

Spelthorne 28 12 30% 24 12 34% ‐14% 6%

Wycombe 55 29 35% 54 22 29% ‐1% ‐26%

East Berkshire 108 39 27% 111 39 26% 3% 0%

TVB LEP area 283 108 28% 289 106 27% 2% ‐1%

South East 2,412 1,216 34% 2,594 1,164 31% 8% ‐4%

GB 17,502 8,209 32% 18,358 8,319 31% 5% 1%

Source: Annual Business Inquiry Employee Analysis. ONS Nomis (www.nomisweb.co.uk) © Crown Copyright


4.18 Slough’s employment base is heavy weighed towards full time employment with 78% of

Slough’s workforce (59,000 people) are employed on a full time basis. This is nine

percentage points more than the proportion nationally. The overrepresentation of full time

work is both a positive and negative for Slough. While it is a clear indicator of the area’s high

value and successful economy, the associated limited availability of part time employment

causes some considerable issues for partners in Slough, particularly with regard to access to

employment for women and some ethnic groups.

…and RBWM has seen a large increase in part time employment

4.19 The overrepresentation of full time work in Slough’s employment base is particularly

enduring. Contrary to the national tend towards increasing part time work, the number of

part time employees in Slough has remained quite steady and the proportion of the total

workforce employed on a full time basis actually increased by six percentage points between

2003 and 2008.

Table 4‐6: East Berkshire town centres and comparators ‐ Full and part time employment in 000s (2003 ‐2008)

2003

2008 % change 2003‐2008

Full time

Part time

% part time

Full time Part time

% part time

Full time Part time

East Berkshire 108 39 27% 111 39 26% 3% 0%

Slough Town Centre 13 5 28% 11 4 27% ‐18% ‐27%


Page 44

STE 15 2 12% 15 2 12% ‐5% ‐2%

Windsor and Eton 8 4 33% 7 4 36% ‐3% ‐10%

Maidenhead 12 4 25% 11 4 27% ‐4% ‐15%

Basingstoke 10 5 33% 12 4 25% 26% ‐12%

High Wycombe 11 11 50% 10 5 33% ‐10% ‐54%

Hounslow 8 4 33% 7 4 36% ‐9% ‐2%

Reading 31 12 28% 29 12 29% ‐5% ‐1%

Uxbridge 12 5 29% 13 5 28% 12% 1%



4.20 The situation in East Berkshire with regard to the balance between full and part time

employment is becoming increasingly polarised with RBWM’s employment base increasing

its dependence on part time employment while Slough’s overrepresentation of full time

work remains constant.

Figure 4‐9: Trends in part time employment

Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings. ONS Nomis (www.nomisweb.co.uk) © Crown Copyright material

is reproduced with the permission of the controller of HMSO.

4.21 In addition, it appears that much of the loss of employment in town centres that has

occurred over the last five years has been in part time employment. As Table 4‐6 shows, the

percentage decrease in part time employment has been much larger than in full time

employment across most of East Berkshire’s town centres, but particularly large in Slough

Town Centre (where the number of part time positions actually decreased by 27%

(compared to 18% for full time jobs).

10%

12%

14%

16%

18%

20%

22%

24%

26%

28%

30%

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009%

of employees in part time work

Slough Windsor and Maidenhead GB SE


Page 45

Figure 4‐10: East Berkshire Local Authorities and Comparators: Change in % of workforce employed on FT basis (2003 – 2008)



Figure 4‐11: East Berkshire town centres and comparators ‐ Change in % of workforce employed on FT basis (2003 – 2008)



6%

3%

2%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

0.5%

0%

‐3%

‐4%

‐6% ‐4% ‐2% 0% 2% 4% 6% 8%

Slough

Reading

South Bucks

South East

Hounslow

Hillingdon

GB

Wycombe

East Berkshire

Thames Valley LEP area


Spelthorne

Percent Point Change

16%

8%

2%

2%

2%

2%

0.5%

‐0.4%

‐1%

‐2%

‐5% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20%

High Wycombe

Basingstoke

Maidenhead Centre

Slough Centre

Uxbridge

Windsor and Eton

East Berkshire


Reading

Hounslow

Percent Point Change


Page 46

Employment by business size

Small businesses provide the majority of East Berkshire’s jobs…

4.22 Along with the rest of the South East, a larger proportion of East Berkshire’s employment is

provided by very small businesses (with less than 10 employees) than nationally. In East

Berkshire one of five jobs is provided by businesses with less than ten employees, compared

to 14% nationally.

…but there are marked differences between Slough and RBWM

4.23 Windsor and Maidenhead has a particularly strong concentration of employment in small

businesses with businesses with less than 10 employees accounting for 26% of jobs

compared to 21% nationally (and just 14% in Slough). More detailed size band analysis

suggests a particular concentration of employment in very small businesses – 16% of the

total employment is accounted for by businesses employing less than 4 people. This is

linked to the high self employment rates in RBWM and is a function of the relative affluence

of the population in RBWM.

4.24 Slough’s employment base is weighted more heavily towards larger employers; 35% of the

borough’s jobs are in companies employing more than 200 people. This is considerably

greater than the Windsor and Maidenhead average (26%) and above the national average of

32%.

Table 4‐7: East Berkshire Local Authorities and comparators ‐ Employment by size band 2008

1 – 10 employees

11‐49 employees50 – 199 employees

200 + employees

No. (000s)

% No.

(000s) %

No.(000s)

% No.

(000s) %

Slough 10.3 14% 14.4 19% 24.0 32% 26.6 35%

Windsor & Maidenhead 19.3 26% 17.9 24% 18.5 25% 19.3 26%

Hillingdon 23.0 12% 27.4 15% 37.5 20% 100.7 53%

Hounslow 21.6 18% 22.5 18% 29.3 24% 48.3 40%

Reading 15.7 16% 21.6 22% 23.2 24% 36.8 38%

South Bucks 10.1 32% 7.7 25% 8.5 27% 4.9 16%

Spelthorne 9.6 26% 9.4 26% 12.1 33% 5.5 15%

Wycombe 20.0 26% 18.5 24% 19.9 26% 17.5 23%

East Berkshire 29.7 20% 32.3 21% 42.5 28% 45.9 31%

TVB LEP area 74.3 19% 84.5 21% 94.9 24% 140.4 36%

South East 877 24% 915 25% 889 24% 1,047 28%

GB 10.3 14% 14.4 19% 24.0 32% 26.6 35%



4.25 Larger employers are particularly focused around the Slough Trading Estate where just 9% of

the employment provided is by businesses employing less than 10 people (compared to

almost 40% of employment from businesses employing more than 200 people). The strong

representation of larger employers in Slough is a clear indication of the area’s success in

attracting large investment to the area but the relative weakness of employment in smaller

businesses could heighten the potential impact of loss of employment amongst these much

larger companies on Slough’s economy as a whole.


Page 47

Table 4‐8: East Berkshire town centres and comparators ‐ Employment by size band 2008

1 – 10 employees

11‐49 employees50 – 199 employees

200 + employees

No. (000s)

% No.

(000s) %

No.(000s)

% No.

(000s) %

East Berkshire No. % No. % No. % No. %

Slough Town Centre 30 20% 32 21% 43 28% 46 31%

Slough Trading Estate 2 14% 3 19% 6 42% 4 25%

Windsor and Eton 2 9% 3 21% 5 32% 6 38%

Maidenhead 3 26% 4 33% 3 24% 2 16%

Basingstoke 3 18% 4 26% 3 23% 5 33%

High Wycombe 2 10% 3 19% 4 25% 7 45%

Hounslow 2 16% 3 21% 4 23% 6 39%

Reading 2 20% 2 22% 3 24% 4 34%

Uxbridge 5 11% 9 21% 10 25% 18 42%



4.26 Recent trends suggest a slight shift towards larger employers in RBWM. There has been a

significant growth in the proportion of employment in the borough that is accounted for by

businesses employing 200 or more employees and a decrease of a similar magnitude of

medium sized employers (50 ‐199 employees). However, the contribution of much smaller

businesses remains strong.

Figure 4‐12: Trends in proportion of employment by business size

Source: Annual Business Inquiry Workplace Analysis. ONS Nomis (www.nomisweb.co.uk) © Crown Copyright material is


10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

% of employees

1 to 10 employees

Slough Windsor and Maidenhead

Great Britain South East

East Berkshire

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

% of employees

11 to 49 employees



East Berkshire

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

% of employees

50 to 199 employees



East Berkshire

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

% of employees

200+ employees



East Berkshire


Page 48

4.27 There is some evidence that, in Slough, there has been a recent movement towards a

smaller average size business. Since 2005, the average number of employees per business in

Slough has decreased slightly from 17 to 16, although as Figure 4‐13 shows, this is still

substantially larger than the averages nationally and regionally. Although this is not a huge

shift, it will be important to monitor this – if the trend towards declining business size

continues in Slough, the current sites and premises offer may cease to be relevant to the

business base.

Figure 4‐13: Average number of employees per business 1998 ‐ 2008



Sectoral Analysis

4.28 This section provides an in depth analysis of the sectoral characteristics of employment in

East Berkshire using location quotient analysis2 to identify key industries. This section

presents a summary of the findings from a detailed sectoral analysis – the detailed tables

and charts that have informed this analysis are presented in Appendix A.

A private sector led economy…

4.29 Figure 4‐14 shows the strength of East Berkshire’s private sector economy in comparison to

the national and regional averages. The public sector accounts for 27% of employment

nationally but is much less concentrated in East Berkshire where just 18% of employment is

in the public sector. In Slough, the proportion is smaller still at 16%.

2 The location quotient of sectoral employment in an area is used as a way of analysing the degree of concentration of that sector relative to some benchmark figure, in this case, Great Britain. A location quotient above 1 indicates a higher degree of concentration locally than in the benchmark area

5

7

9

11

13

15

17

19

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Average

employees per business

Slough RBWM GB South East


Page 49

Figure 4‐14: East Berkshire Local Authorities ‐ Overview of broad sectoral distribution of employment



4.30 The limited reliance of public sector employment and comparative strength of the private

sector is a key strength of the East Berkshire economy. This will be an important advantage

for East Berkshire in the future and will enhance the economic growth prospects of the area

in addition to lessening exposure to public sector job losses anticipated during 2011.

…with higher value activities dominating

4.31 Even at this broad sectoral level, the analysis alludes to concentrations of employment in

high value sectors. In particular:

Banking, finance and insurance is central to East Berkshire’s economy and accounts

for 29% of employment overall (seven percentage points more than nationally).

RBWM has a key concentration of employment in this sector, where it accounts for

almost a third of all jobs. The sector’s LQ of 1.4 illustrates the extent of

concentration of employment in this sector in RBWM.

Transport and Communications is a core sector in East Berkshire accounting for 10%

of total employment. Nationally, this sector accounts for just 6% of employment, so

this is a key specialism (underlined by the sector’s location quotient of 1.7). Slough

has a particular concentration of employment in transport and communications –

the 11,300 people employed in this sector account for 15% of the total workforce

more than twice the concentration nationally (the LQ of the transport and

communications sector in Slough is 2.6).

Manufacturing: Manufacturing accounts for 9% of employment (only 1% less than

nationally). The 12,800 people the sector employs in East Berkshire represent just

16%

19%

18%

26%

27%

22%

25%

23%

25%

24%

26%

31%

29%

24%

22%

12%

5%

9%

8%

10%

15%

5%

10%

6%

6%

3%

7%

5%

6%

5%

4%

7%

5%

5%

5%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Slough


East Berkshire

South East

Great Britain

Public admin Distribution, hotels and restaurants

Banking, finance and insurance Manufacturing

Transport and communications Other services

Construction Energy and water


Page 50

under half of the total for the Thames Valley Berkshire LEP area. The high level of

GVA per worker evident in this sector alludes to a concentration of employment in

higher value manufacturing activities. A large portion of East Berkshire’s

manufacturing activity is focused on the Slough Trading Estate (where it accounts for

28% of employment).

Figure 4‐15: East Berkshire Town Centres ‐ Overview of broad sectoral distribution of employment



Banking, Finance and Insurance employment concentrated in high value sectors…

4.32 As a key high volume sector, employment in Banking, Finance and Insurance is prevalent

across East Berkshire, although there are some key concentrations in central Maidenhead,

Windsor and Eton, and Slough as well as the eastern side of Slough Trading Estate. There are

some notable concentrations of employment in this sector outside of East Berkshire’s urban

centres, particularly around Ascot and Cheapside.

4.33 The Banking, Finance and Insurance sector encompasses a variety of high and low value

activities. East Berkshire’s key specialisms within the sector are focused around the higher

value sub sectors including:

IT and Software: The IT and Software sector as a whole (which includes software

consultancy and supply, software publishing and other computer activities) is an

important sector in East Berkshire, employing 8,600 people (5,300 of these in

RBWM). Figure 4‐17 shows the concentrations of employment in IT and Software

around central Slough and Slough Trading Estate as well as in the areas surrounding

Windsor and Eton and Maidenhead town centre. There is also a cluster of

employment around Ascot. Within IT and Software, Software Consultancy and

Supply is by far the most important in terms of both volume and concentration of

14%

1%

18%

12%

18%

27%

27%

22%

33%

30%

23%

24%

39%

26%

34%

34%

29%

22%

28%

4%

9%

10%

12%

15%

5%

10%

6%

7%

4%

5%

5%

4%

6%

13%

5%

5%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Slough Town Centre


Windsor and Eaton

Maidenhead

East Berks

GB

Public admin Distrib, hotels and restaurants

Banking, finance and insurance Manufacturing

Transport and communciations Other services

Construction Energy and water


Page 51

employment; the 7,300 people employed in this sector give it an LQ of 3.5 which

means employment in this sector is more than three times as important to the East

Berkshire economy as it is nationally. Employment in this sector grew by 2% across

East Berkshire between 2003 and 2008 – this was largely due to a large increase in

Slough (17%) – while RBWM’s software consultancy and supply sector actually

shrank by 6%.

Figure 4‐16: Employment in Banking, Finance and Insurance, 2008




Labour recruitment and provision of personnel: There is a key concentration of

employment in this sub sector in Slough, the 4,700 employed in this sub sector

represent a LQ of 1.9. It is not clear whether this represents direct employees of

recruitment agencies (i.e. recruitment consultants, admin and support staff etc) or if

this also includes temporary workers who will be working for recruitment agencies

on assignments across a range of sectors.

Business Management and Consultancy Activities. This sector has seen significant

growth over recent years, with employment increasing by 68% between 2003 and

2008 to its current level of 3,700. Most of this increase has occurred in Slough,

where the volume of employment increase by more than 150% in the five year

period, although RBWM’s employment increase during the period was also

significant at almost 25%.

Management activities of holding companies. While this sub sector accounts for a


Page 52

large amount of employment in east Berkshire (2,200 jobs), it is not clear whether

these jobs are actually based in, or simply registered to holding companies in East

Berkshire. More detailed analysis of this data at SOA level suggests that these jobs

are not all registered to a single company or location ‐ there are a large number of

holding companies in both RBWM and Slough. The 55 holding companies in RBWM

account for just under 1,500 jobs. In Slough, there are 61 holding companies

accounting for 830 jobs.

Figure 4‐17: Employment in IT and Software, 2008


permission of the controller of HMSO. Digital Mapping Solutions from Dotted Eyes. Reproduced by permission of Ordnance

Survey on behalf of the controller of HMSO © Crown Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Licence number 10001998

… and some concentrations of advanced manufacturing employment

4.34 The total volume of East Berkshire’s manufacturing employment is much smaller than for

Business Finance and Insurance and the majority of employment is focused around the

Slough Trading Estate and central Slough although there are also pockets of slightly lower

density employment within RBWM, particularly along the M4 and A404.

4.35 More detailed sub sector analysis indicates that East Berkshire’s manufacturing activity is

focused around two key themes

Manufacture of Food and Drink: Overall, this sub sector accounts for almost 3,000

jobs (with the majority being based in Slough). There are concentrations of

employment in manufacture of cocoa, chocolate and confectionary. All 1,200 jobs in

this sector are located on the Slough Trading Estate and a large proportion of these

will be accounted for by Mars. There are also significant concentrations of

employment in bread and pastry and meat and meat products Together, these three

sub sectors account for more than 2,500 jobs in East Berkshire.


Page 53

Figure 4‐18: Employment in Manufacturing




Manufacture of Medical Instruments and Pharmaceutical supplies. There are some

significant concentrations of employment in this very high value added

manufacturing activity. It has been a key source of growth over recent years and

employment in manufacture of basic pharmaceuticals has increased by almost 50%

and now has an LQ of 13.2. Likewise, manufacture of medical and surgical

equipment has seen rapid growth since 2003 and now employs 620 people (mostly

in Slough) three times the national concentration. This higher value, life sciences

related manufacturing may be related to the strong employment concentrations in

research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering. This

sector employs 1,900 people and is classified within the Banking, Finance an

Insurance Sector, but has more operational linkages with this life sciences related

manufacturing activity.

4.36 While higher value manufacturing activity has been a key source of growth over recent years

there has been a steady contraction in employment in more traditional manufacturing

sectors. For example, employment in manufacture of food and drink has been contracting

steadily for the past ten years and reduced by 30% overall between 2003 and 2008. This is a

common trend in the manufacturing sector (particularly in more traditional, lower value

added manufacturing sectors) as technological advances drive increases in productivity and

consequent reductions in employment. The strong performance of Berkshire’s

manufacturing sector on GVA per worker (explored in the previous section) suggest that this

shift towards less labour intensive manufacturing may be continuing to affect East Berkshire.

Telecommunications accounts for much of the Transport and Communications


Page 54

employment…

4.37 Transport and communications employment is even more geographically concentrated, with

Central Slough and Slough Trading Estate acting as the key focal points for activity along with

the Littlefield Green area.

Figure 4‐19: Employment in Transport and Communications




4.38 Telecommunications is the key employer within this sector, employing more than 5,000

people across East Berkshire with a LQ of 4.6. As Figure 4‐20 shows, telecommunications

employment in highly concentrated around the Slough Trading Estate and Central Slough

where there are a number of large multinational telecommunications employers including

O2 and Hutchinson 3G.


Page 55

Figure 4‐20: Employment in Telecommunications, 2008




Table 4‐9: Key Employment sub‐sectors on Slough Trading Estate – 4 digit SIC

Total

Employees 2008

% of all employment 2008

% change 2003-2008

LQ vs GB

LQ vs East

Berks

6420:Telecommunications 1,800 11% 81% 14.4 3.2

1584:Manuf cocoa, chocolate and confect. 1,200 7% ‐30% 105.7 9.1

7222:Other software consultancy/ supply 850 5% 54% 3.8 1.1

7450:Labour / personnel recruitment 700 4% ‐19% 1.3 1.0

4531:Installation electrical wiring/ fittings 650 4% 122% 5.4 3.3

7310:R&D natural sciences & engineering 550 3% 11% 8.4 2.7

2441:Manuf of basic pharmaceuticals 550 3% 63% 119.9 9.1

3310:Manuf medical and surgical equip 500 3% ‐ 22.9 7.1

7487:Other business activities 450 3% ‐19% 2.1 1.3

2924:Manuf general purpose machinery 350 2% 16% 18.5 5.1

Total Employment 16,600 100% ‐5% ‐ ‐



Tourism Sector

4.39 Although tourism is a major employer in East Berkshire (the 13,400 tourism employees

account for 9% of the total for the area) employment in the sector is slightly less

concentrated than nationally, with an LQ of 0.9


Page 56

Table 4‐10: East Berkshire Local Authorities and comparators ‐ Employment in Tourism, 2008

Tourism (including Air transport and related activities)

Tourism (excluding Air transport and related activities)

Number % of total LQ vs GB Number % of total LQ vs GB

Slough 5,350 7% 0.7 5,250 7% 0.8

Windsor & Maidenhead 8,050 11% 1.1 7,800 10% 1.1

Hillingdon 75,000 40% 4.2 20,300 11% 1.2

Hounslow 15,300 13% 1.3 13,550 11% 1.2

Reading 8,550 9% 0.9 8,550 9% 1.0

South Bucks 3,200 10% 1.1 3,150 10% 1.1

Spelthorne 4,450 12% 1.3 4,400 12% 1.3

Wycombe 5,350 7% 0.7 5,250 7% 0.8

East Berkshire 13,400 9% 0.9 13,050 9% 1.0

TVB LEP area 33,500 9% 0.9 33,100 8% 0.9

South East 361,050 10% 1.0 338,550 9% 1.0

GB 2,537,350 10% 1.0 2,398,450 9% 1.0


material is reproduced with the permission of the controller of HMSO. See appendix for SIC definition of

tourism

4.40 As Table 4‐10 shows, other local comparators have markedly higher concentrations of

tourism employment than East Berkshire, although the difference between East Berkshire

and other areas with high tourism employment (such as Hillingdon, Hounslow and

Spelthorne) is much less marked when transport (i.e. air transport related employment

which, in most cases, is related to employment at Heathrow Airport or in its supply chain) is

excluded from the tourism definition. For example, tourism accounts for 40% of

employment in Hillingdon when transport is included but just 11% when it is not.

Table 4‐11: East Berkshire town centres and comparators ‐ Employment in Tourism, 2008

Tourism (including Air transport and related activities)

Tourism (excluding Air transport and related activities)

Number % of total

LQ vs GB Number % of total

LQ vs GB

East Berkshire 13,400 9% 0.9 13,050 9% 1.0

Slough Town Centre 900 6% 0.6 900 6% 0.7

Slough Trading Estate 500 3% 0.3 500 3% 0.3

Windsor and Eton 2,400 21% 2.2 2,200 20% 2.2

Maidenhead 750 5% 0.5 750 5% 0.6

Basingstoke 1,100 7% 0.7 1,100 7% 0.7

High Wycombe 1,200 8% 0.8 1,200 8% 0.9

Hounslow 2,350 22% 2.3 1,450 14% 1.5

Reading 5,100 12% 1.3 5,100 12% 1.4

Uxbridge 1,200 7% 0.7 1,200 7% 0.8


material is reproduced with the permission of the controller of HMSO. See appendix for SIC definition of

tourism

4.41 Windsor and Maidenhead is the main focus for East Berkshire’s tourism sector with 60% of

the area’s tourism employment in the borough. The concentration of employment in the

tourism sector in RBWM in particular is illustrated in Figure 4‐21 which shows the high

volume and concentration of tourism employment in RBWM in comparison to Slough.


Page 57

4.42 It should be noted that businesses some sectors (e.g. restaurants and bars) which are

included in the SIC definition of tourism may not actually operate in the tourism market. This

could explain the apparent clusters of tourism related businesses in central Slough and on

the Trading Estate. In reality, it is not likely that these businesses will be servicing East

Berkshire’s tourism market.

4.43 Tourism employment is focused on central Windsor and Eton, and Maidenhead but is

comparatively more important to Windsor’s economy than Maidenhead’s. As the second

map shows, tourism employment represents a substantial proportion of the total for

Windsor (and the surrounding areas) while it is less critical to Maidenhead’s employment

base. There is a key concentration of tourism employment to the South of central Windsor

(where Legoland is located). Within this single SOA, there are just short of 1,000 jobs,

representing more than 60% of its total employment.

Figure 4‐21: Distribution of tourism employment in East Berkshire


Page 58




4.44 The sectoral distribution of tourism employment in East Berkshire differs slightly from

nationally; there is a much greater concentration of employment in restaurants, hotels and

bars (which are primarily concentrated in Windsor and Maidenhead and markedly

underrepresented in Slough).The importance of large visitor attractions such as Legoland to

East Berkshire’s (particularly RBWM’s) tourism sector is underlined by the concentration of

employment in fair and amusement parks in East Berkshire (6%) compared to nationally.


Page 59

Figure 4‐22: East Berkshire Local Authorities – Key tourism sub sectors, 2008



4.45 In the town centre areas, restaurants, bars and hotels make up the majority of tourism

employment, particularly in central Maidenhead and Windsor and Eton. This is less notable

in Slough, where there appears to be marked under representation of employment of this

type. Windsor Castle is evidently the focal point for the tourism sector in Windsor and Eton

– with 12% of the sector’s employment being accounted for by employment in museums

and historical buildings.

Figure 4‐23: East Berkshire town centres‐ Key tourism sub sectors, 2008



17%

22%

25%

26%

10%

15%

18%

12%

6%

14%

19%

21%

17%

13%

11%

10%

30%

12% 6%

10%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

Slough

East Berkshire


GB

% of tourism employment

Restaurants HotelsBars CateringTransport agencies Fair and amusement parks

31%

35%

37%

45%

4%

18%

26%

7%

3%

19%

29%

5%

10%

23%

4%

8%

11%

12%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Slough Centre


Windsor and Eton Centre

Maidenhead Centre

% of tourism employment

Restaurants BarsHotels CateringTransport agencies Travel agencies and tour operatorsFair and amusement park Museum activities / historical buildings


Page 60

4.46 Figure 4‐24 provides a more detailed breakdown of the size band and sectoral make up of

RBWM’s tourism employment base. Smaller businesses evidently provide the lion’s share of

tourism employment (particularly in the restaurants, bars and catering sectors.) It is

interesting that such a small proportion of the borough’s hotel employment is provided by

smaller (most likely, independent hotels). There are just 15 hotels employing less than 10

people in the borough and the majority of hotel employment is provided by medium sized

businesses employing between 50 and 199 people. Much of this employment will be linked

to hotels operated by large, often multinational, hotel chains such as Ramada, Holiday Inn,

and Premier Inn that have premises in Windsor and Maidenhead.

Figure 4‐24: Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead – tourism employment by size band and sector



4.47 This analysis further emphasizes the importance of visitor attractions such as Legoland and

Windsor Castle which accounts for the majority of RWBM’s very large concentrations of

employment in fair and amusement parks (LQ vs GB of 21) and museums / historical

attractions (LQ vs GB of 2.9). As well as creating direct tourism employment in the borough

these visitor attractions clearly also play a role in stimulating demand for other tourism

businesses (particularly hotels, restaurants and bars).

720575

54

637

83 122

1,104

865

387

210

112

1,042

148795

2870

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

Restaurants

Bars

Hotels

Catering

Fair and Amusement Parks

Travfel agencies / tour operators

Museums / historical buildings

6022 : Taxi operation

Transport

Other recreational

Cam

ping / caravan sites

Others

Number of employees

1‐10 employees 11‐49 employees 50‐199 employees 200 or more employees


Page 61

Figure 4‐25: Size band breakdown of tourism employment in RBWM



4.48 Overall, the business size band breakdown of RWBM’s tourism sector is similar to nationally,

although there are some key differences in the centres; Windsor and Eton has a similar

structure, but there is a clear under representation of smaller tourism employers in

Maidenhead, which is clearly contributing to the comparatively lower levels of employment

in this sector in Maidenhead.

4.49 Tourism employment in RBWM has been volatile over recent years, but there has been an

overall trend towards increasing employment that has far outstripped the more steady rate

of increase occurring nationally. Windsor and Eton is a key driver of this growth –

employment in tourism increased steadily since 2003 (but did decline slightly between 2007

and 2008).

30% 29% 33%

21%

36% 36%

67%

43%

19% 20% 23%

14% 15% 13%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Windsor and Maidenhead Great Britain Maidenhead Windsor and Eton

% of employm

ent

1‐10 employees 11‐49 employees 50‐199 employees 200 or more employees


Page 62

Figure 4‐26: Trends in employment in Tourism

The Tourism Industry in RBWM Overview The tourism industry has long been an important component of the RBWM economy. The Borough is home to a diverse range of both natural and cultural visitor attractions. Windsor and Eton is at the heart of the local tourist industry, with attractions including Windsor Castle, Eton College, Windsor Great Park and Windsor Racecourse. Maidenhead is also a location for business tourism, with a range of conferencing facilities. Attractions also exist throughout other parts of the Borough – including Legoland, the food offer of Bray, Ascot Racecourse and the River Thames.

80

90

100

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120

130

140

150

160

170

180

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Inde

xed

Chan

ge (

1998

= 1

00)



East Berkshire

60

70

80

90

100

110

120

130

140

150

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Inde

xed

Chan

ge 2

003

-10

0)

Maidenhead Centre Slough CentreSlough Trading Estate Windsor and EtonEast Berkshire


Page 63

A Significant Contribution to the Local EconomyThe importance of the tourism industry in RBWM is highlighted by the impact that it has on the local economy. A recent study3 highlights that across the Borough, the industry sustains around 5,900 FTE jobs, equating to 7,935 actual jobs. The sector also supports business turnover of around £511.4 million. Visitor number trends It is estimated that 6.3 million day trips and 602,000 overnight trips were made to RBWM in 2008. Performance in recent years has varied according to the type of trip made – whilst day trips to RBWM increased by 4% from 2006 to 2008, overnight trips decreased by 5.5% (largely as a result of declines in domestic overnight stays. Despite the presence of a number of defined attractions in RBWM, it is important to note the importance of the overall combined and nonspecific visitor offer. This is highlighted in Windsor – here for example, the top purposes of visits in 2009 were visiting a cafe / restaurant / pub (84% of visitors), visiting the shops (83%) and visiting the River Thames (55%). Those visiting to see a specific destination such as Windsor Castle or Eton College typically account for a smaller proportion of visitors. Weakness and threats There are a number of weaknesses and challenges for the visitor economy in RBWM. These include:

The performance of the local visitor economy is largely dictated by external influences – in recent years for example, the global economy, changing holidaying trends and events like the ash cloud and snowfall have all impacted upon visitor flows. It is difficult to mitigate and plan for these events.

One of major weakness (and opportunity) of the RBWM visitor economy is perceived to be the relatively low levels of overnight stays and high number of day trips. Addressing this balance is a key aim of local strategy, with an aim of increasing the length and quality of visits rather than the overall number of visitors.

Accommodation has long been an issue in RBWM, especially at the time of major events such as Royal Ascot. However, supply of accommodation has been improving in recent years with new hotels in the area (Macdonald Hotels, the Dorchester Resort at Sunningdale and Travelodge in both Windsor and Maidenhead). There is a need to work across boundaries to ensure that future demand and supply across the wider Berkshire area is accounted for.

Transport around the area is also an issue – exploring the area without a car is difficult especially in the south of the Borough; whilst there are issues relating to the price and availability of parking in Windsor. These issues are considered in more detail in a later chapter.

Employment and training is also an issue for the local tourist sector. Anecdotally, there is concern locally that not many local people are employed in the leisure and hospitality sector. As a result, in some cases, local businesses which are struggling to find staff recruit via overseas agencies. There is a feeling that employment provided by the sector is often undervalued locally – despite the fact that it offers a relatively easy route in employment (in terms of qualification requirements) and offer good opportunities for progression. As such, a policy aim locally is to encourage more young local people into the industry – one area of focus for the Grow Our Own programme. However, there is a feeling amongst some stakeholders that more can be done by local providers to match local residents to local jobs. These issues are discussed in more detail later.

Going Forward – Opportunities for the Tourism Industry in RBWM There are a number of opportunities going forward for the RBWM tourism industry. These include:

The 2012 Olympics provides a significant opportunity going forward for tourism in RBWM. The rowing, canoeing and adaptive rowing events – to be held at Dorney Lake – are expected to

3 The Economic Impact of Tourism in Windsor and Maidenhead, Tourism South East, accessed at http://www.windsor.gov.uk/xsdbimgs/pdf%20Maps%20and%20Guides/Windsor%20report.pdf


Page 64

result in around 64,000 commercial bednights in the Borough and an overall economic impact of around £11.8 million4. Aside from maximising the direct economic impact generated by the 2012 Games, RBWM is focusing efforts on ensuring a strong legacy. This is particularly the case around using the games – and the increased visitor numbers – as a chance to showcase the Borough and effectively act as a springboard for future performance.

As discussed above, a key focus of RBWM policy on tourism is upon increasing number of overnight stays rather than increasing the actual quantum of visitors. There are a number of interrelated factors which are important within this. The first is ensuring adequate supply of bed space – as discussed above. In increasing the number of overnight visitors, however, there is also a need to better define the offer of the wider area. Facilitating stronger relationships between the different visitor attractions and also working across local authority boundaries will help to define and promote a wider and more inclusive offer for visitors, which makes the overnight visits more appealing and feasible.

Changing Sectoral Profile of Employment

Recent change has followed national trends…

4.50 Figure 4‐27 provides an overview of the changing levels of employment for broad sectors

benchmarked against the changes occurring nationally.

Figure 4‐27: Employment change by broad industrial sector 2003– 2008



4 Economic Impact Forecasts for Rowing, Flatwater Canoeing and Adaptive Rowing at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games (2008), Sheffield Hallam University

‐30%

‐95%

‐22%

80%

11%

‐11% ‐10%

14% 15%

‐120%

‐100%

‐80%

‐60%

‐40%

‐20%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Agri and Fishing

Energy and W

ater

Manufacturing

Construction

Distrib, hotel and rest

Transport and comms

Banking, finance. Insurance

Public admin

Other services

% change

in employm

ent

Slough England

East Berkshire Windsor and Maidenhead


Page 65

4.51 Broadly speaking, East Berkshire’s employment base has followed the same national trends

of:

Increasing employment in public administration. The percentage increase in public

sector admin in East Berkshire (particularly in Slough) has been much greater than

nationally, although the overall level of public sector employment remains much

smaller in East Berkshire.

Shrinking employment in manufacturing. The 22% shrinkage in employment in

Manufacturing in East Berkshire that occurred between 2003 and 2008 was slightly

larger than that occurring nationally. The strong recent increases in GVA per job in

this sector suggest that the decline in manufacturing employment in East Berkshire

has been largely a result of increases in productivity in the sector. At the same time

as overall manufacturing employment levels are falling, the absolute level of GVA

produced by the sector (for Berkshire as a whole) has actually increased, further

underlining productivity as the key driver of the shrinkage.

Increasing employment in banking, finance and insurance. Following the national

trend, employment in this sector has increased substantially in East Berkshire over

recent years although rate of growth nationally outstripped that of East Berkshire,

this is largely a result of the high baseline level of employment in this sector in East

Berkshire.

4.52 Although the impact of the recession is not yet fully reflected in official statistics, it is already

clear that the recession has affected some sectors more than others. Automotive, real

estate, software, electrical and financial services sectors fared badly while businesses in

machinery and equipment, logistics and business services were not affected to the same

degree.

…with the construction industry seeing the largest growth

4.53 Construction has been the largest source of employment growth in East Berkshire over the

past five years. This has also been the case nationally, although the expansion of

construction employment has been much more pronounced in East Berkshire. Growth has

largely been driven by a remarkable increase in employment in plumbing which has more

than doubled to its current level of 1,423 since 2003. Interestingly, the majority (87%) of East

Berkshire’s plumbers are based in Windsor and Maidenhead (where the sector has an LQ of

3.2). Plumbing employment in RBWM increased dramatically from 189 employees in 2003 to

1,245 by 2008.


Page 66

Figure 4‐28: Key Growth Sectors in East Berkshire 2003‐2008



…and the telecommunications sector performing differently in the two boroughs

The loss of almost 1,700 Post and Telecommunications jobs from RBWM almost completely

cancelled out growth in Post and Telecommunications employment in Slough in the same

period. More detailed analysis shows that the loss of employment in Windsor and

Maidenhead was primarily Telecommunications related, while employment in Slough

increased within all subdivisions of the post and telecoms sector; telecommunications

employment increased by 20%, employment in national post activities more than doubled

and there was a 30% increase in employment in courier activities.

2,040

1,153

985

742

365

365

326

305

269

233

‐349

‐856

‐1,681

625

2,220

999

182

168

190

285

252

603

1,520

‐2,000 ‐1,000 0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000

64 : Post and telecommunications

85 : Health and social work

45 : Construction

15 : Manufacturing of food and beverages

63 : Supporting and auxiliary transport activities

92 : Recreational, cultural and sporting activities

90 : Sewage and refuse disposal

70 : Real estate activities

60 : Land transport;

32 : Manufacture of radio, television and …

66 : Insurance and pension funding

93 : Other service activities

67 : Activities auxiliary to financial intermediation

80 : Education

52 : Retail trade

Change in Employment

Slough RBWM


Page 67

Figure 4‐29: Change in telecommunications employment 2003‐2008





Page 68

Increases in retail employment may be misleading…

4.54 There appears to have been a significant increase of retail jobs in RBWM (c. 1,500) while

Slough has lost 860 retail jobs in the same period. Closer analysis suggests that this very

large increase in employment in the retail trade may be an inconsistency in the data. All of

this increase has occurred within one Super Output area (E01016590) and is within the other

retail sale in specialised stores sector. There is no known retail development of sufficient

scale to lead to this level of increase.

Employment loss has been focused on lower value manufacturing…

4.55 Manufacturing sectors are most common amongst those that have lost significant

employment over the past five years. Fortunately, many of the declining manufacturing

sectors are lower value e.g. manufacturing of paper and manufacture of rubber and plastic

products. Employment in higher value manufacturing sectors (e.g. manufacture of medical

instruments and pharmaceuticals) has been expanding rapidly over recent years, but these

gains have not fully offset the contraction of more traditional manufacturing sectors.

Figure 4‐30: Sectors with largest employment losses in East Berkshire 2003 ‐ 2008



…but higher value sectors have also contracted

4.56 Losses of employment in the other business activities sector have affected RBWM quite

badly. (Slough actually added 1,500 employees to its workforce in this sector). Two sub‐

sectors account for a particularly large amount of the lost employment:

‐925

‐790

‐474

‐783

1,513

‐375

‐631

‐154

‐331

‐332

76

‐2,129

‐545

‐469

‐344

314

‐2,500

‐2,000

‐1,500

‐1,000

‐500 0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

40 : Electricity, gas, steam and hot water …

29 : Manuf. of machinery and equipment

28 : Manuf. of fabricated metal products

55 : Hotels and restaurants

74 : Other business activities

72 : Computer and related activites

65 : Financial intermediation

21 : Manuf. of pulp, paper and paper products

31 : Manuf. of electrical machinery and …

51 : Wholesale trade and commission trade

71 : Renting of machinery and equipment

25 : Manuf. of rubber and plastic products

Change in employment

Slough RBWM


Page 69

Labour recruitment and provision of personnel. Employment in this sector declined

by 31% (almost 1,000 jobs). As Figure 4‐31 shows, this is a high volume sector in

which employment has been steadily declining since 1999 (although there has been

a small amount of employment growth since 2006).

Market research and public opinion polling. As Figure 4‐31 shows, this sector had

grown rapidly in East Berkshire during the late 1990s and early 2000s, but now

appears to be in decline. Employment in this sector is highly concentrated in RBWM

(with an LQ of 8.5) and the 43% decrease in employment in this sector since 2003

represents a loss of more than 1,000 jobs in RBWM).

…including financial intermediation

4.57 Financial intermediation employment decreased by almost 800 jobs across East Berkshire

between 2003 and 2008. RBWM was disproportionately affected by this, with almost 500 of

these jobs being lost from the borough. The majority of employment losses in this sector

were in the other monetary intermediation sub sector, in which employment shrank by 55%

in the five years to 2008. It is notable from Figure 4‐31 that this decline was in motion before

the economic slowdown, although it has clearly accelerated over recent years.

Figure 4‐31: Trends in key declining sectors for East Berkshire



**NOTE: data not available for Other Software Consultancy and Supply for 1990 to 2003.

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

8,000

9,000

10,000

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

6512 : Other monetary intermediation

7222 : Other software consultancy and supply**

7230 : Data processing

7413 : Market research and public opinion polling

7440 : Advertising

7450 : Labour recruitment and provision of personnel


Page 70

Figure 4‐32: East Berkshire Local Authorities ‐ Trends in employment in key sectors

Source: Annual Business Inquiry Workplace Analysis. ONS Nomis© Crown Copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the controller of HMSO

60

70

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90

100

110

120

130

140

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Indexed Change

(1998 = 100)

Wholesale and Commission Trade

Slough Windsor and MaidenheadGreat Britain South EastEast Berkshire

60

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80

90

100

110

120

130

140

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Indexed Change

(1998 = 100)

Retail Trade


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1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Indexed Change

(1998 = 100)

Other business activities


60

110

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210

260

310

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Indexed Change

(1998 = 100)

Education



Page 71

Figure 4‐33: East Berkshire Town centres ‐ Trends in employment in key sectors


0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Indexed Change

(1998 = 100)

Wholesale and Commission Trade

Maidenhead Centre Slough Centre

Slough Trading Estate Windsor and Eton Centre

60

80

100

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200

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2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Indexed Change

(1998 = 100)

Retail Trade



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2003

2004

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2008

Indexed Change

(1998 = 100)




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1998

1999

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2003

2004

2005

2006

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2008

Indexed Change

(1998 = 100)

Education



Page 72

Future Prospects

4.59 The expectation that London will remain a globally important location for business is clearly

a positive sign for East Berkshire’s economy and will no doubt present some opportunities

for the area. Slough in particular, will be set to benefit from continued growth of London’s

economy due to its particularly strong links with central London.

4.60 Broad sectoral changes in East Berkshire’s underlying economic base are likely to follow

those expected to occur in London where it is anticipated that intellectual capital and

knowledge exchange will become increasingly vital drivers and influencers of the economic

offer overall – particularly as other global areas will be able to compete on a much better

cost basis. This is likely to remain a key factor for East Berkshire.

Forecasts suggest comparatively poor performance in Slough…

4.61 In spite of Slough’s recent strong economic performance, the employment projections

presented indicate that growth in the authority is not expected to be as strong as nationally

or regionally. From 2012 onwards, the rate of employment increase in RBWM is expected to

outstrip Slough’s, and RBWM’s employment base will expand by 19% to 107,000 by 2030.

This outstrips the anticipated national growth by some seven percentage points and is 11

percentage points ahead of what is anticipated for Slough.

4.62 Such a marked disparity between the performances of the two boroughs seems

counterintuitive, especially considering Slough’s particularly strong economic performance

over recent years and specialisation in a number of key growing sectors. The model’s

assumption that industries where employment is particularly concentrated (or above the

potential level of employment specified in the model) will gradually decline over time whilst

those below their potential will gradually expand goes some way to explaining this trend. In

sectors such as Transport and Communications and Finance, business and other market

services, growth is slower in Slough (as the local authority has particular concentrations in

industries within these sectors (such as telecommunications) that are greater than those in

RBWM.


Page 73

Figure 4‐34: Employment projections (Indexed Change 1981 = 100)


95

100

105

110

115

120

125

130

2010

2012

2014

2016

2018

2020

2022

2024

2026

2028

2030

Indexed change

1981 = 100

UK SE Slough RBWM East Berkshire

80

85

90

95

100

105

110

2010

2012

2014

2016

2018

2020

2022

2024

2026

2028

2030

NUmber of employees (000s)

Slough RBWM


Page 74

Table 4‐12: Employment projections to 2030

UK Slough RBWM

2030 empl,(000s)

% change2008‐2030

2030 empl, (000s)

% change2008‐2030

2030 empl, (000s)

% change2008‐2030

Agriculture 362 ‐29% 0.04 ‐41% 0.4 ‐35%

Mining & Quarrying 43 ‐36% 0.01 ‐43% 0.02 ‐41%

Manufacturing 2,139 ‐32% 8 ‐34% 2 ‐50%

Electricity, Gas & Water 82 ‐38% 0.3 ‐34% 0.01 ‐33%

Construction 2,194 0% 6 ‐7% 9 ‐3%

Distribution, Hotels etc 7,402 5% 19 2% 22 9%

Transport & Communications 2,002 7% 12 ‐1% 5 4%

Fin., Bus. & Other Mkt. Service 11,422 32% 36 36% 49 44%

Non‐Market Services 9,624 20% 15 14% 19 17%

Total 35,268 12% 96 8% 107 19%


4.63 There is clearly a logic to the suggestion that longer term trends (Figure 4‐35) suggest that

changes in employment in the two boroughs have been broadly similar over recent years

(particularly since 1997) and that the projected disparity in employment growth indicated by

the projections is a clear break from recent trends.

Figure 4‐35: Employment in Slough and RBWM 1981 ‐ 2030


4.64 It is difficult to predict how changing economic conditions will affect East Berkshire’s

economy. The key trends that are likely to affect the areas employment profile include:

The anticipation that London will continue to be an important global economic

centre. In spite of competition from emerging economies, London looks set to

remain a globally important city and will continue to drive economic growth in East

Berkshire (particularly Slough) and the wider South East region. BRIC and Middle

Eastern economies will continue to be important inward investors and demand for

London (or close to London) locations looks set to continue.

Increasing dominance of knowledge based industries as key drivers of economic

success and competitiveness. East Berkshire has already established itself as a

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

110

1981

1983

1985

1987

1989

1991

1993

1995

1997

1999

2001

2003

2005

2007

2009

2011

2013

2015

2017

2019

2021

2023

2025

2027

2029

NUmber of employees (000s)

Slough RBWM


Page 75

location for KBIs (with concentrations of employment in telecommunications and

advanced manufacturing, IT and Software for example) so has a strong platform on

which to build.

Continued, but less rapid growth in the finance and business services sector means

that this sector will continue to underpin East Berkshire’s economy, but will not be

the central source of growth. The emergence and importance of new sectors such as

Low Carbon technologies, biotechnology, health and Life Sciences, digital media and

software will present opportunities for East Berkshire to broaden its economic base

and by diversifying into these rapidly growing sectors


4.65 East Berkshire has a strong employment base overall, with high job densities in both Slough

and RBWM. Within each of the boroughs, employment is concentrated around a handful of

focal points, particularly town centres, motorway corridors and the Slough Trading Estate.

Employment levels have been unstable over recent years and some parts of East Berkshire

are performing much better than others in terms of employment generation (town centre

employment has declined rapidly while there has been notable growth in non central

locations).

4.66 On the whole, East Berkshire performs well on enterprise indicators but there is a marked

disparity between the levels of self employment in Slough and RBWM. Slough has a

particularly low rate of self employment, while RBWM’s is remarkably high.

4.67 East Berkshire’s economy is characterised by a strong private sector and concentrations of

employment in high value added sectors. In particular, employment is concentrated on

banking, finance and insurance, transport and communications, and higher value

manufacturing. Recent changes in the sectoral make up of East Berkshire’s employment

base have been focused on lower value added sectors (particularly certain manufacturing

sub sectors) although there has been some loss in higher value added professional service

sectors (including labour recruitment and provision of personnel and market research) and

the financial services sector (particularly monetary intermediation) which do not appear to

be explicitly linked to the economic slowdown.

4.68 East Berkshire’s economic success and strength as a wealth generator is closely linked to the

high value added sectoral make up of its employment base. As global competition for FDI

intensifies (particularly from emerging economies that can compete effectively on price) it

will be important to continually reinforce East Berkshire’s competitive position by ensuring

access to highly skilled labour, innovation and R&D facilities, knowledge based institutions

etc. Key policy implications for employment include:

Investment in town centres: Employment levels across East Berkshire have been

unstable over recent years but there has been an overall increase of 2% between

2003 and 2008. Much of the growth in employment has occurred outside of existing

employment hubs and all of East Berkshire’s main urban areas (Slough, Maidenhead,

Windsor and Eton) have suffered a notable decline in employment. The loss of

employment in town centres against a backdrop of growing employment elsewhere

indicates a marked decline in the economic health of these areas relative to their


Page 76

surrounding areas and supports the case for investment in these town centre

locations to enhance competitiveness, attract further investment and create

employment.

Address decline on the Eastern Side of Slough Trading Estate. Recent employment

trends suggest that while one side of the Slough Trading Estate is thriving, the other

is not. The western side of the trading estate continues to attract investment from a

range of high value sectors (in particular telecommunications) and is characterised

by recent, modern office developments. Conversely, the eastern side of the trading

estate is fully built out and there are concentrations of employment in

manufacturing sectors (particularly more traditional, lower value added sectors that

have been in decline for some time). As a result, there has been an ongoing decline

of employment on this side of the estate. As a key driver of economic growth in East

Berkshire, it is important to address this decline through interventions to encourage

inward investment, stimulate enterprise and broaden the base of economic

activities on this side of the estate.

Address barriers to enterprise in Slough. On the whole, East Berkshire performs

well in enterprise indicators, although this masks a particularly large polarisation in

the rates of enterprise amongst residents of Slough and RBWM. In RBWM, rates are

notably high (largely as a result of the relative affluence of the borough’s

population) whilst Slough’s rates of enterprise are particularly poor. Aside from

being linked to financial barriers to enterprise, this is likely to also be linked to the

dominance of large employers in Slough’s employment base and potentially Slough’s

sites and premises offer. Although Slough’s economic performance is strong overall,

the low levels of enterprise represent a key weakness that may eventually erode the

economic success of the area, particularly as reliance on a smaller number of large

organisations for the lion’s share of employment leaves Slough vulnerable to

external economic changes. Enterprise policy should focus on understanding and

responding to the enterprise barriers faced by Slough’s residents.

Ensure continued success of key sectors while diversifying into emerging ones. East

Berkshire has key sector specialisms in business management and consultancy,

management activities of holding companies, IT and software, advanced

manufacturing, telecommunications and tourism (particularly in RBWM). These are

important sectors in terms of employment and wealth generation and underpin the

success of East Berkshire’s economy. Whilst it will be important to seek to maintain

the performance of these sectors, policy makers should seek new sector

opportunities for East Berkshire e.g. in Low Carbon technologies, life sciences and

other emerging, high growth sectors.


Page 77

Key sub sectors for East Berkshire Local Authorities

2 digit 4 digit

Slough Windsor and Maidenhead East Berkshire

Number LQ vs GB % change

2003 – 08 Number LQ vs GB

% change


% change

2003 – 08

Transport and

Communications

6420 : Telecommunications 3,638 6.5 21% 1,473 2.63 ‐52% 5,111 4.55 ‐16%

6411 : National post activities 1,856 3.5 167% 353 0.67 4% 2,210 2.09 113%

6340 : Activities of other transport agencies 1,588 8.5 ‐9% 63 0.34 133% 1,650 4.43 ‐7%

6312 : Storage and warehousing 460 1.1 6% 1,016 2.40 653% 1,475 1.73 160%

6412 : Courier activities other than national post activities 1,061 5.5 30% 74 0.39 ‐57% 1,135 2.97 15%

6330 : Activities of travel agencies and tour operators; tourist

assistance activities not elsewhere classified 401 1.4 127% 337 1.22 23% 738 1.33 64%

Manufacturing

1584 : Manufacture of cocoa, chocolate and sugar confectionery 1,188 23.3 ‐30% 0 ‐ ‐ 1,188 11.66 ‐30%

1513 : Production of meat and poultry meat products 945 7.5 ‐ 21 0.17 200% 966 3.82 13700%

2452 : Manufacture of perfumes and toilet preparations 353 9.2 1% 480 12.59 63% 832 10.88 29%

2430 : Manufacture of paints, varnishes and similar coatings,

printing ink and mastics 742 16.0 ‐4% 0 ‐ ‐ 742 8.04 ‐4%

3310 : Manufacture of medical and surgical equipment and

orthopaedic appliances 493 5.1 9760% 129 1.35 ‐22% 622 3.25 264%

2924 : Manufacture of other general purpose machinery n.e.c 388 4.5 26% 232 2.72 729% 620 3.62 85%

2441 : Manufacture of basic pharmaceuticals 529 26.4 49% 1 0.05 ‐ 529 13.23 49%

2222 : Printing not elsewhere classified 210 0.7 52% 288 0.97 ‐10% 498 0.84 8%

1581 : Manufacture of bread; manufacture of fresh pastry goods

and cakes 334 1.7 62% 156 0.80 41% 489 1.25 54%

Banking, finance

and Insurance

7222 : Other software consultancy and supply 2,817 2.7 17% 4,484 4.33 ‐6% 7,301 3.51 2%

7450 : Labour recruitment and provision of personnel 4,637 1.9 8% 2,169 0.91 ‐31% 6,806 1.42 ‐8%

7414 : Business and management consultancy activities 1,847 1.9 169% 1,913 1.99 23% 3,761 1.95 68%

7487 : Other business activities not elsewhere classified 893 0.9 ‐29% 2,187 2.28 24% 3,081 1.60 2%

7470 : Industrial cleaning 1,539 1.2 98% 1,225 0.97 24% 2,764 1.09 57%

7415 : Management activities of holding companies 831 2.5 2% 1,403 4.25 42% 2,234 3.38 24%

7310 : R&D on natural sciences and engineering 994 3.2 1% 905 2.97 12% 1,900 3.11 6%

7413 : Market research and public opinion polling 105 0.6 84% 1,468 8.49 ‐43% 1,572 4.53 ‐40%

7260 : Other computer related activities 465 1.8 ‐9% 849 3.33 ‐1% 1,314 2.57 ‐4%


Page 78

Key sub sectors for East Berkshire Local Authorities

2 digit 4 digit


Number LQ vs GB % change


% change


% change

2003 – 08

Other high LQ

sectors


1584 : Manufacture of cocoa, chocolate and sugar confectionery 1,188 23.3 ‐30% ‐ 0.0 ‐ 1,188 11.7 ‐30%

7310 : Research and experimental development on natural sciences

and engineering 994 3.2 1% 905 3.0 12% 1,900 3.1 6%



9233 : Fair and amusement park activities ‐ 0.0 ‐ 796 21.2 194% 796 10.6 194%

2430 : Manufacture of paints, varnishes and similar coatings,

printing ink and mastics 742 16.0 ‐4% ‐ 0.0 ‐ 742 8.0 ‐4%



Page 79

5. Business Base, Innovation, R&D and Supply Chains

5.1 This section will focus on understanding East Berkshire’s business base in terms of its size

and structure, innovation and R&D behaviour and the supply chain linkages between

businesses in East Berkshire.

Business Base – Key characteristics

Although there has been sustained growth in East Berkshire’s business base over the past four years, the 9% growth between 2003 and 2008 has not kept pace with the growth occurring nationally or regionally (11% increase in the same period).

While employment in town centres has decreased over the last five years, the number of business units has actually increased but the rate of increase in central areas has generally been slower than the East Berkshire average, which suggests that there are areas of significant business growth outside of the town centres.

East Berkshire’s high business density in comparison to the national average (82 businesses per 1,000 working age residents in East Berkshire compared to 67 nationally) is largely due to the particularly strong performance of RBWM on this indicator (the business density of 105 businesses per 1,000 working age residents is only exceeded by South Buckinghamshire). Slough’s business density is considerably lower, at just 58 businesses per 1,000 working age residents.

Slough’s low business density may be related to the dominance of larger employers, but there is also evidence of much lower start up and survival rates.

RBWM’s business base is particularly skewed towards small businesses, which reflects the strong start up rates in this borough.


Page 80

Strong growth in East Berkshire’s business base…

5.3 There are 14,000 businesses based in East Berkshire. Although the area has seen sustained

growth in the size of its business base over the past four years, the 9% growth in the size of

the business base between 2003 and 2008 has not kept pace with the growth occurring

nationally or regionally (11% increase in the same period). With the exception of Hounslow

and South Buckinghamshire, the rate of growth in East Berkshire’s business base has

exceeded that of other comparator areas.

Table 5‐1: East Berkshire Local Authorities and comparators ‐ Number of business units 2003 – 2008 (000s)

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 % change 2003‐08

Slough 4.4 4.3 4.5 4.5 4.6 4.8 9%

Windsor & Maidenhead 8.4 8.4 8.5 8.7 9.0 9.1 9%

Hillingdon 10.1 10.1 10.2 10.5 10.6 11.0 9%

Hounslow 9.2 9.2 9.6 9.7 9.9 10.3 12%

Reading 6.4 6.4 6.6 6.6 6.8 6.9 8%

South Bucks 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 11%

Spelthorne 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.1 4.3 7%

Wycombe 9.1 9.2 9.2 9.2 9.2 9.5 4%

East Berkshire 12.8 12.7 13.0 13.2 13.6 14.0 9%

TVB LEP area 38.7 38.6 39.6 40.2 41.2 41.9 8%

South East 358 362 374 382 390 396 11%

GB 2,212 2,236 2,313 2,361 2,406 2,446 11%



Windsor and Maidenhead’s businesses base almost twice the size of Slough’s …

5.4 Although Slough, and Windsor and Maidenhead’s economies support a similar number of

jobs, the strong bias towards larger firms in Slough is evident in the size of the area’s

business base; it is almost half the size of Windsor and Maidenhead’s. 65% of the 14,000

businesses located in East Berkshire are located in Windsor and Maidenhead. This is also

evident in the information for town centres which is presented in Table 5‐2; both Windsor

and Eton and Maidenhead centres support a far larger number of businesses than Slough

town centre and the trading estate.

5.5 Although employment in all town centre areas has decreased over the last five years, the

number of business units has actually increased. The rate of increase in business numbers

has however, been slower than the East Berkshire average everywhere except Slough town

Centre, which suggests that there are areas of significant business growth outside of the

town centres.


Page 81

Table 5‐2: East Berkshire town centres and comparators ‐ Number of businesses 2003 – 2008 (000s)

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 %

change 2002‐08

East Berkshire 12.8 12.7 13.0 13.2 13.6 14.0 9%

Slough Town Centre 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 9%

Slough Trading Estate 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.7 6%

Windsor and Eton 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 6%

Maidenhead 1.1 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 4%

Basingstoke 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 15%

High Wycombe 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.9 0.9 0.9 ‐7%

Hounslow 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.9 0.9 9%

Reading 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.8 1.8 1.8 6%

Uxbridge 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 8%



…and business density in Windsor and Maidenhead is particularly high

5.6 East Berkshire’s business density of 82 businesses per 1,000 working age residents compares

very well to the national average of 67. This is largely due to the particularly strong

performance of RBWM on this indicator (the business density of 105 businesses per 1,000

working age residents is only exceeded by South Buckinghamshire) as Slough’s business

density is considerably lower at just 58 businesses per 1,000 working age residents.

Figure 5‐1: East Berkshire Local Authorities and Comparators – Business Density 2003 – 2008



..and Slough’s low business density is linked to dominance of large businesses

5.7 Slough’s comparatively low business density is related to the dominance of larger employers

in the borough. As Figure 5‐2 shows, Slough’s business base is strongly weighted towards

115

101

90 93

80

72

72

67

63 64

64

57

121

105

95

95

82

77

76

68

67

66

66

58

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

South Bucks

Windsor and

Maidenhead

Wycombe

Tham

es Valley LEP

East Berkshire

South East

Spelthorne

Reading

England and W

ales

Hillingdon

Hounslow

SloughBusiness Density (Businesses per 1,000 W

AP)

2003 2008


Page 82

larger firms (only Uxbridge has a smaller base of businesses with less than 10 employees).

This comparatively modest base of small businesses in Slough is linked to issues around

enterprise and entrepreneurial activity; the employment section has already identified the

marked difference in self employment rates between the two boroughs and linked this to a

number of factors including financial barriers, lack of entrepreneurial culture and lack of

appropriate sites and premises for start up businesses.

Figure 5‐2: East Berkshire Local Authorities and Comparators – Business Size, 2008



5.8 Strict rules governing the publication of ABI data prevent further exploration of this as it is

not possible to disclose statistics relating to small numbers of firms. As Table 5‐3 shows,

there are businesses in Slough in the much larger size bands, although data relating to the

number of businesses in these size bands has been suppressed to maintain data

confidentiality.

Table 5‐3: East Berkshire Local Authorities – Detailed Size Bands (2008)

Great Britain East Berkshire Slough Windsor and Maidenhead

Number % of total

Number % of total

Number % of total

Number % of total

1 to 4 1,739,520 71% 10,270 74% 3,230 67% 7,040 77%

5 ‐ 10 339,180 14% 1,710 12% 670 14% 1,040 11%

11 ‐ 24 190,880 8% 990 7% 400 8% 590 6%

25 ‐ 49 91,180 4% 470 3% 230 5% 240 3%

50 to 99 47,780 2% 240 2% 130 3% 110 1%

100 to 199 21,500 1% 190 1% 110 2% 80 1%

200 to 299 6,970 0.3% 40 0% * 0% 30 0%

300 to 399 3,140 0.1% * 0% * 0% ‐ 0%

400 to 499 1,700 0.1% * 0% * 0% * 0%

500 to 749 2,050 0.1% * 0% * 0% ‐ 0%

750 to 999 770 0.0% * 0% ‐ 0% * 0%

1000 to 1499 590 0.0% ‐ 0% ‐ 0% ‐ 0%

90%

88%

88%

87%

87%

86%

86%

86%

85%

84%

82%

81%

72%

8%

9%

9%

10%

10%

10%

10%

10%

12%

11%

14%

13%

19%

2%

2%

2%

3%

2%

3%

3%

3%

3%

4%

4%

5%

6%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

South Bucks

Wycombe


Spelthorne

South East

Hounslow

Thames Valley LEP

East Berkshire

Great Britain

Hillingdon

Reading

Slough

Uxbridge

1‐10 employees 11‐49 employees

50‐199 employees 200+ employees


Page 83

1500 to 1999 230 0.0% ‐ 0% ‐ 0% ‐ 0%

2000 to 4999 440 0.0% ‐ 0% ‐ 0% ‐ 0%

5000 or more 70 0.0% ‐ 0% ‐ 0% ‐ 0%



Note: Figures marked with * have been suppressed to maintain data confidentiality

5.9 East Berkshire’s Town centres reflect this business size make up to differing degrees; the

under representation of smaller businesses is more evident on the Slough Trading Estate

(where just 70% of businesses employ less than 10 people) and in central Slough (77% of

businesses employ less than 10 people) than it is across the authority as a whole.

Conversely, Windsor and Eton centre has a high proportion of smaller businesses.

Figure 5‐3 East Berkshire town centres and Comparators – Business Size (2008)



5.10 As Figure 5‐4shows, the average number of employees per business for East Berkshire as a

whole is broadly similar to the national average (and has followed a similar trend over recent

years). There is however, a marked difference between Slough and RBWM in this regard and

the size band make up of the business base of both authorities differs considerably from the

national average. The average number of employees per business in Slough is twice that in

RBWM, this is as much a reflection of the very strong tendency towards larger employers in

Slough as it is an indication of the very strong small business base in RBWM.

86%

83%

81%

80%

80%

77%

71%

70%

68%

10%

13%

16%

15%

16%

15%

21%

21%

23%

3%

3%

3%

4%

3%

7%

6%

8%

7%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

East Berkshire

Hounslow Centre

Windsor and Eton Centre

High Wycombe Centre

Maidenhead Centre

Slough Centre

Reading Centre


Basingstoke Centre

1‐10 employees 11‐49 employees

50‐199 employees 200+ employees


Page 84

Figure 5‐4: Average number of employees per business 1998 ‐2008

Source: Annual Business Inquiry (1998 – 2008). ONS, Nomis (www.nomisweb.co.uk) © Crown Copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the controller of HMSO.

Rates of VAT registrations are particularly high in RBWM…

5.11 Although the rate of VAT registrations for East Berkshire as a whole (7.5 per 1,000 working

age residents) far exceeds the England and Wales average of 5.5, there is further indication

of a marked disparity between Windsor and Maidenhead, and Slough. Windsor and

Maidenhead’s VAT registration rate of 9.1 per 1,000 working age residents is almost twice

the national average (which goes some way to explaining the apparent overrepresentation

of smaller companies in RBWM). Conversely, the rate of VAT registrations in Slough only

marginally exceeds the England and Wales average and lags behind that of the South East of

England.

5.12 The large gap between VAT registration rates in Slough and RBWM indicates that, in spite of

the area’s very strong economic performance, there are some significant issues around

enterprise in Slough.

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008Average

employees per business


GB South East

East Berks


Page 85

Figure 5‐5: VAT registrations

VAT registrations and de‐registrations. ONS Nomis (www.nomisweb.co.uk) © Crown Copyright material is


1,265

1,055

710

1,110

795

630

405

470

425

‐855

‐705

‐580

‐660

‐570

‐400

‐315

‐285

‐250

11,405

8,435

8,275

8,085

7,760

4,965

4,235

3,645

3,515

‐2,000

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

East Berkshire

Hillingdon

Wycombe

Hounslow

Windsor and M

'head

Reading

South Bucks

Slough

Spelthorne

Number

Registrations Deregistrations Stocks

10.4

9.1

7.6

7.2

7.1

6.4

6.3

6.2

5.7

5.5

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

South Bucks

Windsor and M

'head

Spelthorne

Wycombe

Hounslow

Hillingdon

South East

Reading

Slough

England and W

ales

VAT registrastions per 1,000 W

AP

2003 2007

East Berks 2003 East Berks 2007


Page 86

5.13 There are some indications that enterprise performance in Slough is beginning to improve –

there was a marked increase in the rate of VAT registrations in Slough between 2006 and

2007, although as Figure 5‐5 shows, this has done little to close the gap with other areas.

Figure 5‐6: East Berkshire Local Authorities and comparators – VAT registrations per 1,000 WAP 2001‐2007

VAT registrations and de‐registrations. ONS Nomis (www.nomisweb.co.uk) © Crown Copyright material is


5.14 The sectoral breakdown of VAT registrations and de‐registrations provided in Figure 5‐8

suggests some key differences East Berkshire to the national average; in particular there is a

far greater proportion of registrations in real estate, renting and business activities across

East Berkshire than nationally, more than half of registrations in East Berkshire (56%) in 2007

were in this sector compared to 44% nationally.

Two out of five businesses are in the banking, finance and insurance sector…

5.15 The sectoral breakdown of East Berkshire’s business base follows trends explored in

employment analysis in the previous section and accentuates the high value nature of East

Berkshire’s economy. Banking, Finance and Insurance businesses make up the largest

proportion of East Berkshire’s business base. As Figure 5‐7 shows, there is a marked

overrepresentation of businesses in this sector in Windsor and Maidenhead, where this

sector accounts for almost half of the total. While the proportion of businesses in this sector

is much smaller in Slough (36%) this remains a greater proportion than nationally.

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

VAT registrations per 1,000 W

AP

Slough Windsor and M'head

East Berkshire South East

GB


Page 87

Figure 5‐7: East Berkshire Local Authorities and Comparators – Business Units by Broad Industrial Sectors, 2008



5.16 This concentration is also reflected in the sectoral breakdown of VAT registrations by broad

industrial sector provided in Figure 5‐8. There is a marked overrepresentation of start‐ups in

the real estate, renting and business section for East Berkshire as a whole and in RBWM in

particular (where almost three in five – 58% of start ups – are in this sector).

…and business management and consultancy is particularly well represented

5.17 Within the business, finance and insurance sector, there is a particular concentration of

businesses within the Business Management and Consultancy sub sector. There are more

than 1,000 businesses in this sector, giving it a LQ of 1.6. The majority of these businesses

(83%) are in RBWM, where the sector has a LQ of 2, which means that RBWM’s business

base is twice as dependent on this sector as nationally. There has been a strong recent

growth in the business base in this sector, with the number of businesses increasing by 42%

between 2003 and 2008.

….along with labour and personnel recruitment businesses

5.18 Labour recruitment and recruitment of personnel is another key sector within the business,

finance and insurance sector. The concentration of businesses in this sector is twice the

national level in both Slough and RBWM, and there has been a 29% increase between 2003

and 2008. It was noted in the employment analysis that this sector is a major employer in

East Berkshire, accounting for almost 7,000 employees.

36%

46%

35%

40%

42%

44%

34%

42%

43%

44%

38%

33%

28%

23%

27%

25%

27%

20%

25%

21%

24%

23%

24%

27%

6%

9%

7%

10%

7%

12%

10%

9%

8%

8%

8%

8%

7%

7%

11%

6%

7%

9%

11%

10%

7%

9%

11%

10%

6%

7%

6%

7%

8%

6%

6%

6%

6%

7%

8%

9%

10%

3%

9%

8%

4%

4%

8%

3%

6%

4%

4%

4%

6%

5%

5%

4%

4%

4%

5%

7%

5%

5%

6%

6%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Slough

Windor and Maidenhead

Hillingdon

Hounslow

Reading

South Bucks

Spelthorne

Wycombe

East Berkshire

Thames Valley LEP area

South East

GB

Banking finance and insurance Distribution, hotels and restaurants

Other services Construction

Public admin Transport and communications

Manufacturing Agri and fishing


Page 88

Figure 5‐8: VAT registrations by Broad industrial sector

VAT registrations and deregistrations. ONS Nomis (www.nomisweb.co.uk) © Crown Copyright material is


47%

51%

60%

53%

54%

44%

58%

53%

44%

48%

56%

16%

15%

14%

14%

15%

18%

13%

15%

17%

15%

13%

13%

9%

8%

10%

9%

11%

7%

10%

12%

13%

8%

6%

7%

7%

5%

2%

7%

8%

5%

9%

7%

7%

7%

5%

3%

9%

4%

8%

4%

3%

4%

4%

6%

3%

3%

2%

4%

4%

4%

4%

3%

5%

4%

4%

4%

7%

3%

3%

9%

7%

3%

5%

5%

5%

3%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Hillingdon

Hounslow

Reading

Slough

South Bucks

Spelthorne


Wycombe

England and Wales

South East

East Berkshire

Registrations

Real estate, renting & buiness Wholesale, retail Construction

Hotels & restaurants Transport, storage & comms Manufacturing

Public admin Mining, quarrying, elec & gas Educ, health and social work

Financial intermed. Agriculture

35%

38%

48%

34%

48%

34%

54%

47%

35%

41%

47%

22%

23%

16%

29%

13%

22%

16%

15%

20%

17%

20%

12%

7%

10%

9%

10%

12%

7%

8%

11%

12%

8%

6%

10%

4%

7%

14%

12%

9%

9%

7%

8%

8%

6%

5%

6%

4%

5%

4%

4%

7%

7%

6%

4%

8%

8%

9%

7%

3%

6%

4%

6%

9%

7%

5%

8%

8%

5%

11%

5%

10%

4%

3%

5%

5%

6%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Hillingdon

Hounslow

Reading

Slough

South Bucks

Spelthorne


Wycombe

England and Wales

South East

East Berkshire

Deregistrations

Real estate, renting & buiness Wholesale, retail Construction

Public admin Mining, quarrying, elec & gas Manufacturing

Hotels & restaurants Transport, storage & comms Agriculture

Financial intermed. Educ, health and social work


Page 89

Concentration of transport and communications businesses reflects specialism in Telecommunications…

5.20 As suggested by the employment analysis, the Transport and Communications sector is

overrepresented in East Berkshire’s business base in comparison to nationally (accounting

for 6% of all businesses compared to 4% nationally). This is even more pronounced in Slough

where 10% of the business base trades in this sector. This is largely a reflection of Slough’s

specialism in the telecommunications sector, which has an LQ of 2.5 in Slough.

Business survival rates are lower in Slough than RBWM…

5.21 Businesses started in East Berkshire have a slightly better chance of survival than the

national average. A three year survival rate of 68% is three percentage points better than

the national average. This is strong indicator of the economic health of the area. There is

some variation between survival rates in Slough and Windsor and Maidenhead. Slough’s

three year survival rate is four percentage points lower than Windsor and Maidenhead’s,

and two percentage points lower than the average for the South East.

5.22 This is particularly interesting in the context of Slough’s comparatively poor performance on

enterprise indicators more generally (i.e. low start up rate and business density). It suggests

that in addition to there being factors that may prevent businesses starting up in the first

place, there may be more substantial barriers to business survival in the borough too.

East Berks Local Authorities – Survival Rates for businesses started in 2006


5.23 Unsurprisingly, business closures focused primarily on micro businesses with 91% of those

closing in 2008 having less than four employees. All of business closures in Slough in 2008

were businesses with less than 19 employees, while a small proportion (five businesses) in

94%

96%

94%

95%

96%

96%

96%

96%

95%

95%

94%

79% 84%

78%

80%

79% 83%

80% 86%

82%

82%

80%

65% 69%

64%

60% 67%

68%

64% 71%

68%

67%

65%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

Slough

Windsor &

Maidenhead

Hillingdon

Hounslow

Reading

South Bucks

Spelthorne

Wycombe

East Berkshire

South East

GB

Survival rate

1 year survival rate 2 year survival rate 3 year survival rate


Page 90

Windsor and Maidenhead were slightly larger (20+ employees)

East Berks Local Authorities – Business Closures, 2008

0 ‐ 4 employees 5 ‐ 9 employees 10 ‐ 19 employees 20 + employees

Business

closures

% of

total

Business

closures

% of

total

Business

closures

% of

total

Business

closures

% of

total

Slough 335 88% 35 9% 10 3% 0 0%

Windsor & Maidenhead 700 92% 40 5% 15 2% 5 1%

Hillingdon 890 91% 65 7% 20 2% 5 1%

Hounslow 870 93% 45 5% 20 2% 5 1%

Reading 550 87% 45 7% 20 3% 20 3%

South Bucks 395 90% 30 7% 10 2% 5 1%

Spelthorne 325 90% 20 6% 15 4% 0 0%

Wycombe 660 91% 35 5% 20 3% 10 1%

East Berkshire 1,035 91% 75 7% 25 2% 5 0%

South East 30,090 90% 2,170 7% 800 2% 310 1%

GB 190,885

89% 15,670 7% 5,820 3% 2,325 1%


5.24 Unfortunately, the most up to date information on business closures does not reflect the

impact of the economic downturn. However, there is some indication that (prior to the

recession at least) East Berkshire’s economic was performing well and the number of

business closures had decreased overall between 2004 and 2007 (although there was a small

increase in closures between 2006 and 2007). As the business demography dataset from

which this data is drawn is relatively new, there is insufficient time series data to draw on to

analyse trends and draw out implications for East Berkshire.

Innovation Indicators

5.25 Data on investment in research and development is not readily available at the local level.

However, regionally, it is clear from Figure 5‐9 that the South East of England performs

particularly strongly on this measure and has the largest number of FTE employees engaged

in R&D activities of all the regions (35,000). In terms of absolute investment in R&D, the

South East performs far better than other regions and is second only to the East of England –

in 2009 more than £3.5 billion was invested in R&D by companies in the South East

5.26 The performance of businesses in the South East of England, with regard to R&D is also

strong in relative terms – expenditure on R&D by firms in the South East represents 2% of

the region’s GVA. This is considerably more than the England average of 1.4% and second

only to East of England, where investment in R&D is 3.6% of GVA (East of England’s strong

performance in R&D is closely linked to the high concentration of R&D activities around the

region’s key KBIs, including Cambridge).


Page 91

Figure 5‐9: Headline investment and employment in R&D by Region, 2009

Source: ONS, expenditure and employment in R&D by government office region.

5.27 As for investment in R&D, the proportion of the South East’s employees engaged in R&D

activities is amongst the highest nationally and is second only to East of England.

Figure 5‐10: Investment in R&D as % of GVA and total employment

Source: ONS, expenditure and employment in R&D by government office region and Business Register and Employment Survey / ONS NUTS1 GVA at current basic prices, 2009. © Crown Copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the controller of HMSO.

30

35

14 15

10 1012

7 7

£3,898

£3,598

£2,050

£1,267

£984

£926

£873

£644

£452

£321

£313

£297

£0

£500

£1,000

£1,500

£2,000

£2,500

£3,000

£3,500

£4,000

£4,500

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

East of England

South East

North W

est

South W

est

East M

idlands

London

West Midlands

Scotland

Yorkshire and the

Humber Wales

North East

Northern Ireland

R&D investment (£millions)

Number of FTEs

Employment on R&D activities Expenditure on R&D

1.3%

1.0%

0.7%

0.5% 0.5%

0.4%0.3%

0.3%

3.6%

2.0%

1.7%

1.3%

1.3%

1.0%

0.8%

0.7%

0.6%

0.5%

0.3%

0.0%

0.5%

1.0%

1.5%

2.0%

2.5%

3.0%

3.5%

4.0%

0.0%

0.2%

0.4%

0.6%

0.8%

1.0%

1.2%

1.4%

East of England

South East

North W

est

South W

est

East M

idlands

West Midlands

North East

Wales

Scotland

Yorkshire and The

Humber

London

Investment in R&D as % of GVA

Employm

ent in R&D as % of total employm

ent

R&D employment as % of total employment Investment in R&D as % of GVA


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5.28 As Figure 5‐11 shows, investment in manufacturing R&D makes up the lion’s share of R&D

investment for all regions (with the exception of London, where more than half of

expenditure is related to the service sector). Around three quarters of the South East’s total

R&D investment is carried out by companies in the manufacturing sector. This is almost the

same in absolute terms as in the East of England, but the amount of R&D expenditure in the

service sector is comparatively smaller.

Figure 5‐11: Investment in R&D by sector

Source: ONS, expenditure and employment in R&D by government office region

5.29 Based on this data and the strong concentrations of high value manufacturing, and other

R&D and innovation dependent industries (such as telecommunications and software and IT)

it is likely that the behaviour of businesses in East Berkshire (particularly the larger firms

located in Slough) will follow the pattern exhibited for the South East of England as a whole

and perform well with regard to investment and innovation.

5.30 Reponses to the 2009 UK Innovation Survey also suggest a likelihood that a larger proportion

of East Berkshire’s business base might be more actively engaged in innovation activity than

nationally. Across the full range of headline innovation indicators outlined in Figure 5‐12,

businesses in the South East perform markedly better than nationally. Overall, 63% of

businesses in the South East are classed as Innovation Active (i.e. had reported investing in

activities related to innovation of products of processes), five percentage points greater than

the national average. Interestingly, the propensity to engage in product innovation (rather

than process innovation) appears much larger in South East companies – where 28% of firms

(four percentage points more than nationally) had reported innovation activity. Although the

proportion of South East companies reporting process innovation (14%) is still larger than

nationally (13%) the gap in performance is much smaller.

£2,689

£2,658

£1,887

£898

£862

£668

£324

£1,181

£801

£0

£500

£1,000

£1,500

£2,000

£2,500

£3,000

£3,500

£4,000

£4,500

E SE NW SW EM WM Scot YH Lon NE Wales NI

Investment in R&D (£ millions)

Manufacturing Services Other


Page 93

Figure 5‐12: UK innovation Survey . Headline indicators, 2009

Source: UK Innovation Survey Statistical Annex 2009

5.31 The slightly greater concentration of firms classed as Wider Innovators in the South East is

also notable. Wider innovation relates to improved forms of organisational structures or

practices aimed at improving internal effectiveness or efficiency of approaching markets or

customers. This sort of organisational innovation is becoming increasingly important in

determining the competitiveness of an organisation.

5.32 Results from this survey are only available at a regional level, so this interpretation assumes

that the performance of businesses in East Berkshire will mirror the South East average

(while this seems intuitive given the concentration of businesses and employment in higher

value, knowledge intensive activities, it is not possible to test this assumption).

Inward Investment

5.33 The following maps outline recent FDI activity in key sectors in the UK. Berkshire has clearly

been successful in attracting FDI projects to the county. Investments have been most

numerous in three key sectors; ICT, Life sciences and Advanced Engineering. However, it is

only in the ICT sector that Berkshire appears to have equalled the performance of other

areas. There were more than 20 FDI projects relating to ICT in Berkshire between 2003 and

2009. As this sector encompasses telecommunications activity, and it is likely that the recent

growth and strong performance of this sector in East Berkshire will have driven much of this

investment (for example investments by Hutchinson 3G and O2 will have contributed to

this).

58%

24%

13%

27% 27%

55%

63% 28% 14% 33% 29% 60%0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Innovation Active

Product innovators

Process innovators

Either product or process

innovators

Wider innovators

Engaged in innovation related

activities

% businesses

UK South East


Page 94

Figure 5‐13: Overview of FDI projects by sector 2003 – 2009


Page 95

Figure 5‐13: Overview of FDI projects by sector 2003 – 2009

Source: UKTI online interactive map of FDI flow activity 2003‐9 (http://www.ukti.gov.uk/investintheuk/investorsmap.html)

● East Berkshire LEA ●

Page 96

Supply Chains

5.34 Our discussions with firms in East Berkshire have indicated that to a large extent supply

chains are often national or international, particularly with some of the major national or

internationally owned firms.

5.35 The public sector has an important role in providing local supply chain opportunities, with

local authorities, hospitals, colleges and so on having a responsibility to act as an exemplar

for the private sector.


5.36 East Berkshire has a strong business base that has been steadily growing in terms of the

number of units and the employment it supports. While both Slough and RBWM are strong

performers, there are some marked disparities between the strength of their business bases.

In particular, the large disparity between the rates of enterprise in the two authorities

suggests that Slough may be more vulnerable to the impact of economic shocks (such as loss

of major employers) than RBWM. Although the two authorities support similar volumes of

employment, Slough’s business base is almost half the size of RBWM’s. While this is not

currently having any adverse affects for Slough, increasing global competition, coupled with

the relatively footloose nature of many of the sectors in which Slough specialises, suggests

that the authority could be vulnerable. Overall, rates of enterprise in Slough are much lower

than RBWM and business survival rates are also markedly lower.

5.37 Clearly, efforts to retain the large companies that have underpinned much of Slough’s recent

economic growth will be crucial. But there is also a need to foster and encourage enhanced

enterprise performance in Slough to mitigate the potential risks that the borough faces from

loss of larger employers.


Page 97

6. East Berkshire’s Labour Market

6.1 This section of the report explores the supply of labour across East Berkshire. An analysis of

the area’s demographic characteristics sets the context for an examination of the levels of

education, the skills pool present amongst residents and levels of economic activity and

worklessness.

6.2 The following measures have been used in order to understand what has been happening in

the area in recent years:

Population and Demographics

Skills – Qualifications, School Performance and Occupational groupings

Economic activity and Employment rates

Worklessness – Economic Inactivity and Unemployment

Travel to work patterns

East Berkshire Labour Market: Headline Characteristics

Labour market characteristics within East Berkshire vary significantly – with RBWM typically

performing above the regional average and Slough at or below it.

East Berkshire has a population of around 272,200, with Slough and RBWM contributing around

128,400 and 143,800 respectively. However, due to high levels of population transience Slough, the

Borough Council believe the local population to be closer to 140,000.

Theoretically indicating the presence of a large labour pool, a relatively high proportion of East

Berkshire residents are of working age – particularly the case in Slough. In RBWM there is a higher

proportion of more elderly residents. Slough is characterised by high levels of ethnic diversity and

population transience.

Across East Berkshire’s functional economic geography area, there are over half a million

economically active residents and over quarter of a million working age residents with Level 4 or

higher qualification – a significant pool of highly skilled labour. Within East Berkshire, Slough

performs relatively poorly in terms of labour market skills – especially in relation to RBWM.

There is an important disparity between the relatively low skills levels of Slough residents and the

typically highly skilled nature of the jobs available in the Borough. This skills gap has implications

both in terms of levels of worklessness and commuting to work patterns.

A similar labour market challenge exists in RBWM. Here, the higher skills profile of residents results

in lower uptake of local leisure and hospitality jobs by local residents. Again there are implications

for economic performance and commuting patterns.

However, Slough performs strongly in terms of secondary school performance and progression of

residents to further and higher education – a positive indicator for future performance

Levels of economic inactivity and unemployment vary with East Berkshire. Levels of economic


Page 98

inactivity and employment are much lower in RBWM than they are in Slough. In Slough, economic

inactivity rates are high amongst particular groups – including ethnic minority females. Rates of

inactivity and unemployment have increased across East Berkshire during the recessionary period.

Underpinning the performance of the East Berkshire economy and the local labour market are

dynamics and dependencies which transcend local authority boundaries. Most significant are travel

to work patterns. There is a daily net inflow of commuters to East Berkshire of over 16,000, whilst

(as indicated by the trends described above) within East Berkshire there is a net movement of

people from RBWM to Slough. Reflecting the above trends, people tend to commute into Slough

from the surrounding areas to access highly skilled jobs, whilst Slough residents with lower skills

tend to commute out of the Borough.

Population and Demography

A Large (and Growing) Working Age Population....

6.3 According to 2009 Mid Year Population Estimates form ONS, the population of East

Berkshire stood at around 272,200 in 2009, with Slough and RBWM contributing around

128,400 and 143,800 respectively. The three main town centres in East Berkshire are of

similar size in terms of population – Maidenhead, Slough Town Centre and Windsor and Eton

have 6,600, 7,600 and 7,100 residents respectively.

6.4 The 2009 midyear population estimates from ONS suggest that the East Berkshire

population has grown by 7% since 2001 and by 6% and 8% in Slough and RBWM

respectively. Population growth in the town centres has been stronger – amounting to

around 17% in Windsor and Eton, 13% in Maidenhead and 12% in Slough Town Centre.

Figure 6‐1: Population Summary, 2009

All Ages Working Age( males ‐ 16‐64; females ‐ 16‐59 )

Number % Change 2001‐2009

Number % of Total % Change 2001‐2009

Town Centres

Maidenhead 6,661 13% 4,220 63% 15%

Slough 7,612 12% 5,196 68% 12%

Windsor and Eton 7,141 17% 4,709 66% 18%

Basingstoke 2,128 48% 1,606 75% 67%

High Wycombe 6,631 9% 4,415 67% 10%

Hounslow 19,030 51% 14,315 75% 64%

Reading 8,146 25% 6,494 80% 28%

Uxbridge 4,043 ‐3% 2,693 67% ‐2%

Boroughs Slough 128,400 6% 84,300 66% 8%

Windsor & Maidenhead 143,800 8% 88,200 61% 6%

Hillingdon 262,500 7% 168,500 64% 9%

Hounslow 234,200 8% 159,600 68% 11%

Reading 151,800 5% 103,800 68% 7%

South Bucks 66,600 8% 39,100 59% 6%

Spelthorne 92,600 2% 56,500 61% 1%

Wycombe 163,600 1% 99,200 61% ‐2%

Wider Geographies

East Berkshire 272,200 7% 172,500 63% 7%

Thames Valley LEP 854,000 6% 547,300 64% 6%


Page 99

South East 8,435,700 5% 5,135,300 61% 4%

England 51,809,700 5% 32,083,300 62% 5%

Source: ONS Mid Year Population Estimates © Crown Copyright

6.5 When considering population trends, however, it is important to note that Slough Borough

Council hold concern over both the accuracy of data concerning Slough from the 2001

Census and subsequent Mid Year Population Estimates. It has been estimated that in 2001

the population of Slough was underestimated by as much as 30,000 – the result of a

combination of factors including high levels of household overcrowding locally, the diverse

nature of local population and the transient nature of the local population. Each of these

factors is considered in more detail in later sections. Over a three year period after the 2001

Census, Mid Year Population Estimates suggested a decline in population in Slough – in

direct contrast to evidence presented by local tax returns and school roll data. Recent

changes in the methodology behind Mid Year Population Estimates have reversed this trend

and as a result the dataset is believed to be moving towards a more accurate reflection of

the local population.

6.6 However, the under‐estimation during the period 2002‐2004 continues to have a bearing

and Slough believe, that a more accurate picture of local population is approximately

140,000 (as opposed to 128,000). Indeed, recent research by Slough Borough Council using

data from Thames Water suggests that based on the size of the flow of sewage through

Slough Sewage Treatment Works, the population equivalent needed to produce the load

was approximately 150,000 (once trade and non resident sewage is taken out of the

equation).

6.7 Population estimates in RBWM are thought to be a more accurate reflection of reality.

6.8 Population estimates have an important bearing on financial allocations given to local

authorities and thus ultimately upon services provided to local residents. As a result of this,

Slough Borough Council is focused upon ensuring that the 2011 Census is conducted as

accurately as possible locally.

A Relatively Young and Diverse Population in Slough...

Large Working Age Cohorts in Slough BC and in the Town Centres

6.9 The working age population provides a good indication of the size of the local labour force.

Across East Berkshire, around 63% of residents are of working age – slightly higher than

regional and national averages. However, there is disparity between within the area in this

respect – whilst around 61% of RBWM residents are of working age, in Slough the rate is

around 66%.

6.10 Looking at population age profiles in more detail, the lower working age population in

RBWM can be explained by the presence of a more elderly population profile – 34% of the

population is over the age of fifty, and just under a fifth is over working age. In Slough, 42%

of the population are in the 25‐40 age group – higher than the majority of comparator areas.

Despite this disparity having a contrasting population profile to Slough, the population

profile of RBWM is broadly similar to that seen regionally and nationally.

6.11 At a more local level, the working age population is relatively large in both Slough Town


Page 100

Centre (68%) and Windsor and Eton (66% ‐ including a very high proportion in the 16‐24

cohort) – a trend which would be expected in town centre areas. Indeed in several of the

comparator town centres, working age population levels are even higher – for example in

Reading (80%) Basingstoke (75%) and Hounslow (75%). Contrary to this trend, Maidenhead

has a lower working age population (63%).

Figure 6‐2: Population by Key Age Groups, 2009


The Importance and Implications of Population Age ProfileA key determinant of the size of the labour market, local demographic profiles play an important role in local economic performance. As such, in efforts to plan for – and ultimately achieve – economic growth it is vital that local population trends and their implications are understood. The challenge in East Berkshire varies in this respect:

In Slough, the most significant challenges exist around population transience. In recent years

the area has been subject to large flows of migrant groups into and out of the area, with

associated difficulties in assessing which groups are likely to stay and which are passing

through. The challenges around population transience in Slough are discussed in more detail

in the next section.

RBWM has an overall more elderly population profile than Slough, but not in comparison to

regional and national averages. Despite this, given the perceived attractiveness of RBWM as a

place to live, anecdotally parts of the Borough are perceived to be attractive to more elderly

people as places to retire to. It is important that these trends are understood at a very local

level to ensure correct targeting of services.

Future decades are widely projected to see an overall trend of ageing population in the UK. This is a trend which will affect all areas and as such it will be important for both Slough and RBWM to be in a position to project future population trends, understand their implications and where necessary, take steps to mitigate against them.

21% 21% 22% 22% 20% 20% 19% 18% 20% 18% 21% 21% 20% 19% 19%

9% 11% 20% 11% 10% 13% 12% 17% 9% 10%10% 11% 12% 11% 12%

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15%13%

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17% 15% 15%14% 14%

15% 15%

16% 11% 12% 13%19% 15% 13% 14%

22% 21% 19% 16% 16% 20% 19%

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Page 101

High Levels of Ethnic Diversity in Slough BC

6.12 The population of East Berkshire as a whole is more ethnically diverse than is average

regionally and nationally. However, there is large disparity within the area – with very high

levels of ethnic diversity in Slough and more average levels in RBWM.

6.13 The proportion of Slough residents in the white ethnic groups is 61% ‐ much lower than the

regional average of 92% and the national average of 88%. Slough has a particularly high

proportion of residents in the Asian or Asian British ethnic group – around 29% of residents.

Within this, around 15% of all residents are in the Indian ethnic sub group, whilst around

12% are in the Pakistani sub group.

6.14 Conversely, the proportion of people in the white ethnic group in RBWM is around 89% ‐

above national average and just below the regional average.

Figure 6‐3: Population by Broad Ethnic Sub‐Groups, 2007


East Berkshire Thames Valley LEP South East England

White British 56% 80% 69% 79% 87% 84%

Irish 2% 1% 2% 1% 1% 1%

Other White 4% 8% 6% 5% 4% 3%

Total 61% 89% 76% 86% 92% 88%

Mixed White and Black Caribbean 1% 0% 1% 1% 0% 1%

White and Black African 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

White and Asian 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1%

Other Mixed 1% 1% 1% 0% 0% 0%

Total 3% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2%

Asian or Asian British

Indian 15% 3% 9% 4% 2% 3%

Pakistani 12% 2% 7% 3% 1% 2%

Bangladeshi 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 1%

Other Asian 2% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1%

Total 29% 6% 17% 8% 3% 6%

Black or Black British

African 2% 1% 2% 1% 1% 1%

Caribbean 2% 0% 1% 1% 1% 1%

Other Black 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Total 5% 2% 3% 3% 2% 3%

Chinese or Other Ethnic

Group: Chinese 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1%

Group: Other Ethnic Group 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1%

Total 1% 2% 2% 2% 1% 2%


6.15 Further information on the ethnic origin of local residents is provided by the Annual

Population Survey and this data further emphasises the disparities which exist within East

Berkshire in terms of population characteristics. Levels of ethnic diversity in Slough are

higher than across all comparator geographies.

6.16 Across East Berkshire around 63% of residents are white UK nationals whilst around 83% are

UK nationals. In Slough and RBWM respectively, the proportion of residents who are white

UK nationals stands at 42% and 82%, whilst the proportion of UK nationals stands at around

77% and 90%.


Page 102

6.17 East Berkshire also has a relatively high proportion of residents who are non‐UK nationals –

again reflecting the population characteristics of Slough more than RBWM. In particular,

Slough has a high proportion of residents who are ethnic minority non UK nationals – around

14% of the total population (less than 3% in RBWM). Levels of population in the white non‐

UK national group are similar in both Slough and RBWM at around 8%. This group would

include residents with Eastern European origin.

Figure 6‐4:Population by Ethnic Origin, 2009


6.18 Recent years have seen trends of increasing levels of ethnic diversity on both Slough and

RBWM. Since 2005, the number of white UK national residents has declined in Slough

sharply by around 19%. The number of Slough residents has increased sharply in the white

non UK national group (+65%), the ethnic minority UK national group (+21%) and the ethnic

minority non UK national group (+29%). In RBWM an increase in the number of white UK

national residents has been outweighed slightly by increases in the number of residents with

other origins – including ethnic minority UK national (+19%) and ethnic minority non UK

national (+92% albeit from a small base).

42.1

82.7

55.2

45.5

65.8

88.6

76.8

76.4

63.7

87.0

83.9

8.7

7.9

8.4

9.7

11.6

5.0

6.9

7.0

8.3

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4.5

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6.8

25.5

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6.4

13.9

10.4

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14.2

2.7

10.9

19.8

12.5

2.4

6.0

8.1

3.1

4.2

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Slough


Hillingdon

Hounslow

Reading

South Bucks

Wycombe

Thames Valley LEP

East Berkshire

South East

Great Britain

Local Authorities

Wider G

eographies

% of population aged 16‐64 who are white UK national % of population aged 16‐64 who are white not UK national

% of population aged 16‐64 who are ethnic minority UK national % of population aged 16‐64 who are ethnic minority not UK national


Page 103

Figure 6‐5: Change in Population by Ethnic Origin, 2005‐2009 – Absolute Change (%) (top) and % point change (bottom)


Population Transience in Slough As discussed above, one of the majors factors undermining attempts to accurately estimate local population change is population transience. Strong evidence exists which suggests that population transience is an important consideration in East Berkshire and in Slough in particular. Efforts to understand the main trends and characteristics regarding local population change are clearly important. Accurately estimating local population is key to ensuring that local funding allocations are correct. Understanding local population trends is also hugely important socially – in terms of recognising the specific characteristics and needs of local groups and where necessary ensuring that adequate community support mechanisms are in place.

-18.9

5.6

-1.6 -3.5

0.4

-0.3 -0.3 -0.3

65.1

2.8

45.6

26.3

45.9 47.144.1 43.6

21.5 18.9

26.121.0

24.220.3 20.2 20.0

28.9

92.3

43.0

34.6

47.0

39.2 37.3 36.3

‐40

‐20

0

20

40

60

80

100


Thames Valley LEP

East Berkshire South East Great Britain England and Wales

England

Local Authorities Wider Geographies

Absolute Chnage 2004‐9 (%

)


% of population aged 16‐64 who are ethnic minority UK national % of population aged 16‐64 who are ethnic minority not UK nation

-11.6

-1.3

-5.4-5.8

-3.2 -3.4

3.3

-0.3

1.91.4 1.4 1.3

5.2

0.6

1.82.6

0.8 1.0

2.8

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0.9 1.1

‐14

‐12

‐10

‐8

‐6

‐4

‐2

0

2

4

6

8


Thames Valley LEP East Berkshire South East Great Britain


% Point Chnage


% of population aged 16‐64 who are ethnic minority UK national % of population aged 16‐64 who are ethnic minority not UK national


Page 104

Despite this, levels of population change and transience in the local area are difficult to measure. In the absence of definitive data on migrant flows it is necessary to examine information from a range of different sources to build up a picture of the main trends. Other than the main demography data sources discussed above, informative data sources include:

NHS Patient Registrations – Flag 4 GP registrations indicate the local presence of people who

were previously living overseas. In Slough, the number of Flag 4 registrations is high – the rate is

currently 30 per 1,000 population, having risen from 18 per 1,000 population over the past 5

years. The comparable rates in RBWM and across the South East are 12 and 10 per 1,000

population respectively. These figures seemingly highlight high levels of in‐migration to the area

School Rolls – school roll data provides a good indication of the ethnic make‐up of the local

population, reflecting changes in the adult population which are more difficult to measure. In

Slough, only 35% of the secondary school population is classified as being white British. This

contrasts significantly with the figure of 56% in the total population suggested by the Mid Year

Population estimates. School rolls highlight large Pakistani and Indian pupil populations (25% and

14% respectively) and along with significant white non‐British school and Black African population

(9% and 7% respectively). School roll data also provides information on languages spoken at

school, suggesting that English is first language for only 46% of pupils – a very low proportion. It is

important to note that this is likely to reflect pupils from established ethnic minority communities

in Slough, along with more recent migrants. In total, over 14 languages are spoken in Slough’s

schools.

Further Education Provision – courses provided by local Further Education providers presents

further evidence. At East Berkshire College, there are over 1,000 learners on ESOL (English for

Speakers of Other Languages) courses starting at pre entry and going up to level 2. The college

also runs ESOL for Work and Citizenship courses. First languages spoken on these courses include

Somali, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu and Polish – however, in total over 100 different languages are

spoken at the college – reflecting the high degree of diversity locally.

Anecdotal evidence is also very important in building up a picture of local population trends, providing intelligence which might not be picked up quantitatively. Consultation with stakeholders involved in community networks has, for example, highlighted the presence of a small Sudanese community (around 60 or 70 families) in the Borough, along with growing Somali and Zimbabwean community. Anecdotal evidence also points to an emerging trend whereby some Eastern European migrants are now returning home – take up of ESOL courses is said to have fallen, whilst the relevant recruitment agencies are experiencing quieter times. Anecdotal evidence suggests a number of reasons for the transient nature of the population in Slough – these include proximity to Heathrow and London, the availability of work and the low cost of housing relatively to regional averages.

Strong Population Growth Projected for Future Years...

6.19 Population projections for the period 2001‐2026 have been produced by the Greater London

Authority for the Berkshire Observatory (Figure 6‐6 ).

6.20 The projections suggest strong population growth in Slough between 2001 and 2026 of

around 14%. In real terms this amounts to around 17,000 people and would result in a 2026

population of 137,306. Population growth for males is projected to be almost double the

rate for females.


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6.21 Population growth in RBWM is projected to be slower – at around 5.5% between 2001 and

2026 (7,000 people in real terms). Growth at this rate would result in a 2026 population of

around 141,000. The majority of this growth is expected to be accounted for by males.

Figure 6‐6: Population Projections 2001‐2026

Slough RBWM

Year Population Males Females Population Males Females

2001 120,577 60,850 59,727 133,541 65,886 67,655

2006 123,560 62,876 60,684 135,124 67,408 67,716

2011 129,243 66,214 63,029 138,581 69,622 68,959

2016 135,858 70,125 65,733 139,334 70,692 68,642

2021 137,511 71,452 66,059 140,993 72,243 68,750

2026 137,306 71,638 65,668 140,830 72,831 67,999

Absolute Change 2001 ‐2026 16,729 10,788 5,941 7,289 6,945 344

Change 2001‐2026 13.9% 17.7% 9.9% 5.5% 10.5% 0.5%

Absolute Change 2010‐2026 8,558 5,774 2,784 2,725 3,584 ‐859

Change 2010‐2026 6.6% 8.8% 4.4% 2.0% 5.2% ‐1.2%

Source: Berkshire Observatory; Data produced by GLA Data Management and Analysis Group

Skills: Qualifications, Schools Performance and Occupations

6.22 The presence of a skilled and educated resident working age population bears a large degree

of importance for the economic vitality of an area. In seeking to analyse the level of skills in

East Berkshire, this section takes into account a number of indicators including

qualifications, school performance and occupations.

A Highly Skilled Population in RBWM but Lower Skills Levels in Slough...

6.23 Overall, across East Berkshires functional economic geography area, there are over a quarter

of a million working age residents with Level 4 or higher qualifications – this broadly

highlights the highly skilled pool labour which the local economy is able to draw upon.

6.24 The proportion of East Berkshire working age residents with no qualifications (8.3%) is below

regional and national average, whilst the proportion of residents qualified to Level 4 or

above (34%) is similar to regional average. Across the area, on average males perform better

than females in terms of skills – particularly in terms of the proportion of those with no

qualifications.

6.25 Despite overall strong performance across East Berkshire, there are important variations to

consider within the area.

6.26 The resident population of RBWM performs strongly in terms of skills – the proportion of

residents with no qualifications is very low, whilst at the other end of the skills spectrum, a

relatively high proportion of residents are qualified to Level 4 or higher (39% of residents

compared to 33% across the South East). Males and females perform similarly in terms of

Level 4 or higher qualifications. Whilst a higher proportion of female have no qualifications

than males, this reflects a national trend and both figures remain significantly below

average.

6.27 Performance in Slough is weaker. Around 11% of residents have no qualifications – two


Page 106

percentage points above regional average. There is a strong disparity between males and

females in this respect – amongst the latter group around 14% of residents have no

qualifications. Anecdotally this is likely to reflect the ethnic makeup of the local population,

with cultural factors explaining lower skills levels amongst females in certain ethnic groups.

6.28 Around 28% of the Slough’s population is qualified to Level 4 or above – below regional and

national average and below the average seen across many of the comparator geographies.

Whilst again there is disparity amongst male and female groups in this respect, the disparity

is not as stark and reflects trends seen in other geographies.

Figure 6‐7: Overview of Qualifications Levels – Overall (top) and by Gender (bottom)


27.9

39.231.7 34.9 33.9 37.6

24.931.4 33.9 36.3 32.6 29.9

11.9

16.1

16.511.2 13.2

16.3

22.1

14.314.1

15.416.2

15.5

16.1

14.5

1312.3 11.9

21.1

16.2 15.1 15.213.9 16.4

16.1

12.6

10.4

11.98.7 10.9

10

17.915.4 11.5

12.0 1413.5

17.5

10.3

12.115

17.7

7.17.7

9.9 13.7 11.3 7.88.8

11.35.7

12.6 15.510

1.96.7 8.7 8.3 7.8 9.1 12.3

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% with NVQ4+ - aged 16-64 % with NVQ3 only - aged 16-64 % with Trade Apprenticeships - aged 16-64% with NVQ2 only - aged 16-64 % with NVQ1 only - aged 16-64 % with other qualifications - aged 16-64% with no qualifications - aged 16-64

29.4

39.7

34.837.0

32.3

29.4

8.6

4.56.5 6.7

8.3

11.2

26.2

38.7

33.0

35.5

32.9

30.4

14.0

6.8

10.19.0 9.9

13.4

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45


East Berkshire Thames Valley LEP South East Great Britain


% of Working Age

Residents

Males % with NVQ4+ ‐ aged 16‐64 Males % with no qualifications ‐aged 16‐64

Females % with NVQ4+ ‐ aged 16‐64 Females % with no qualifications ‐ aged 16‐64


Page 107

6.29 In recent years, East Berkshire has seen strong improvement in terms of qualifications levels

of residents – mainly the result of improving performance within Slough. It is important to

note, however, that such improvement could be the result of either improvement amongst

existing residents, or the inflow of new residents holding higher skills levels.

6.30 The proportion of working age residents with Level 4 or higher qualifications has increased

by 7.6 percentage points (including strong improvement for both men and women) since

2004. During the same time period the proportion of residents with no qualifications has

decreased by 2.6 percentage points (again for both men and women). The proportion of

people registering ‘other qualifications’ has increased by 1.3 percentage points, possibly

reflecting in‐migration from overseas.

6.31 RBWM has also experienced improvement – in particular in terms of a 4.4 percentage point

fall in the proportion of residents with no qualifications.

Figure 6‐8:Overview of Change in Key Qualification Levels 2004‐2009– Overall (top) and by Gender (bottom)


7.6

1.4

6.7

9.2

-3.9

4.5

-0.7

-2.4

4.5

2.73.4

3.8

1.3

0.3

-1.6

-6.7

7.5

-1.9

1.2

3.1

0.7

2.2

0.1 0.4

-2.6

-4.4

-1.2

3.4

-0.1

0

-4.8

-1.7

-3.6

-2.2-1.8

-2.8

‐8

‐6

‐4

‐2

0

2

4

6

8

10


Hillingdon Hounslow Reading South Bucks Spelthorne Wycombe East Berkshire

Thames Valley LEP

South East Great Britain


% Point Change

2004‐2009

% with NVQ4+ ‐ aged 16‐64 % with other qualifications ‐ aged 16‐64 % with no qualifications ‐ aged 16‐64

8.2

0.9

4.6

2.02.7

3.1

-2.8

-4.9

-3.9

-2.1 -2.0

-2.8

6.8

2.0

4.5

2.93.5

4.5

-2.5

-4.0-3.4

-2.2-1.6

-3.0

‐6.0

‐4.0

‐2.0

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0


East Berkshire Thames Valley LEP South East Great Britain


% Point Change

in Qualifications Levels

Males % with NVQ4+ ‐ aged 16‐64 Males % with no qualifications ‐ aged 16‐64

Females % with NVQ4+ ‐ aged 16‐64 Females % with no qualifications ‐aged 16‐64


Page 108

6.32 Annual Population Survey data does not allow for interrogation of data below Local

Authority level. In the absence of such data, a useful indication of more local trends relating

to resident qualifications can be gained by examining the Indices of Multiple Deprivation

(IMD). The IMD uses a number of indicators to assess levels of deprivation in an area. The

causes of the deprivation can be analysed by drilling down into deprivation domains –

indicators which measure levels of deprivation according to separate social and community

factors. The different IMD domains are considered where relevant throughout the rest of

this report.

6.33 The Skills, Education and Training IMD domain is mapped below, with the darker colours

representing the more deprived localities in relation to localities across the country. The

map highlights overall higher levels of deprivation relating to Skills, Education and Training

within Slough, with particular concentrations of deprivation to the north of the Borough in

the Britwell area.

6.34 It is important to note that whilst overall levels of relative multiple deprivation appear low

across RBWM, pockets of deprivation do exist – it is important that these pockets and the

issues behind them are not ignored in the face of more positive Borough wide averages.

Figure 6‐9: Indices of Multiple Deprivation: Deprivation related to Skills, Education and Training

Indicators incorporated within data includes: Average test score of pupils at Key Stage 3; Best of 8 average capped points score at Key Stage 4 (this includes results of GCSEs, GNVQs and other vocational equivalents); Proportion of young people not staying in school or non‐advanced education above the age of 16; Secondary school absence rate; Proportion of those aged under 21 not entering higher education; Proportions of working age adults (aged 25‐54) in the area with no or low qualifications

Source: IMD Data from CLG; Digital Mapping Solutions from Dotted Eyes. © Crown Copyright 2006. All Rights Reserved. Licence number 1000199918.


Page 109

Strong Education Performance Young Residents and in East Berkshire Schools...

Primary and Secondary Education

6.35 An overview of school characteristics in East Berkshire is presented below. Both boroughs

have a similar number of pupils in their schools. Perhaps most noticeable is the high number

of independent schools in RBWM – including Eton College. Independent schools – especially

boarding schools – are likely to attract pupils from a wide catchment area. Four of Slough’s

ten secondary schools are selective grammar schools – which also anecdotally attract pupils

from a wide catchment area.

Figure 6‐10: East Berkshire School Overview


Pupil Headcount No. of Schools Pupil Headcount No. of Schools

Nursery 606 5 313 4

Primary 12,421 27 8,477 45

Secondary 8,838 10 10,129 13

Special 279 3 174 2

Pupil Referral Units 49 1 14 2

Independent 602 3 5,779 18

Academies 972 1 0 0

All schools 23,770 50 24,890 84

Source: Department for Education

6.36 Some of these trends are empathised by analysis of pupils flow data. There is a large inflow

of pupils to secondary school in RBWM of around 2,100 (net 1,100). This is likely to attract

the strong pull of the area’s independent schools. Also noticeable is the overall outflow of

Slough residents to go to primary school and the inflow of pupils to Slough to go to Sixth

Form College (likely to reflect the pull of East Berkshire College).

Figure 6‐11: East Berkshire School Pupils Flows

Inflow Outflow Net Flow

Primary School Slough 524 1021 ‐497

Windsor and Maidenhead 589 609 ‐20

Secondary School Slough 1761 1835 ‐74

Windsor and Maidenhead 2141 997 1144

Special School Slough 18 6 12

Windsor and Maidenhead 25 32 ‐7

Sixth Form Slough 562 325 237

Windsor and Maidenhead 495 363 132


6.37 Performance by pupils within East Berkshire’s schools to some extent mirror those trends

described previously in terms of general skills.

6.38 Despite improving performance in recent years, Key Stage 2 Level performance is below

national and regional average by pupils in Slough’s schools in Maths, English and Science.

The opposite is true in RBWM, with pupils at schools in the Borough outperforming

comparator averages.


Page 110

Figure 6‐12: Key Stage 2 Performance in East Berkshire Primary Schools

English Maths Science

% Pupilsachieving Level 4+

% PointChange 2005‐9

% Pupilsachieving Level 4+

% Point Change 2005‐9

% Pupils achieving Level 4+

% PointChange 2005‐9

Slough LA 77 1 74 5 84 3

Windsor and Maidenhead LA 83 ‐2 81 2 91 1

South East Region 81 2 78 3 88 2

England 80 1 79 4 88 1


6.39 Slough performs better at GCSE level, with a higher proportion of pupils in local schools

gaining 5 or more A* to C GCSEs than regionally and nationally average. Again pupils at

schools in RBWM perform strongly. Both local authority areas have seen strong

improvement in performance levels over the past five years. Anecdotal evidence suggests

that the strong performance of pupils at Slough secondary schools (in contrast to primary

school results and wider data on skills) is partly explained by the presence of four well

respected and popular Grammar Schools in the Borough.

Figure 6‐13: GCSE Performance in East Berkshire Schools

% of Pupils Gaining 5 A*‐C GCSEs 2009 Change 2005‐10

Slough 73.7 17.2 (% point change)

Windsor and Maidenhead 76.4 17.2 (% point change)

South East Region 70.1 12.5 (% point change)

England 70.0 13.7 (% point change)


6.40 Statistics on pupil attendance allow further insight into local trends affecting education:

In Slough, rates of pupil absence are higher than in all comparator areas – including

RBWM, the region and the country. The opposite is true in RBWM – here, rates of

pupil absence or relatively low.

As is the trend across all benchmark geographies levels of pupil absence are higher

amongst free school meal pupils in East Berkshire.

Figure 6‐14: School Attendance Data

All Pupils Free School Meal Pupils

Overall Absence

Authorised Absence

Unauthorised Absence

Persistent Absentees

Overall Absence

Authorised Absence

Unauthorised Absence

Persistent Absentees

Slough 6.9 5.5 1.4 3.4 9.2 6.9 2.3 7.0

RBWM 5.5 4.9 0.6 2.2 8.8 7.2 1.6 6.8

Hounslow 6.0 4.7 1.3 2.5 7.5 5.5 2.0 4.1

Hillingdon 5.9 4.8 1.1 2.3 8.3 6.0 2.3 5.2

Reading 6.2 5.1 1.1 3.0 8.7 6.4 2.3 6.8

South Bucks 6.0 5.0 1.0 3.2 11.7 7.5 4.2 14.2

Spelthorne 6.0 5.1 0.9 3.1 9.5 7.0 2.6 7.8

Wycombe 5.8 5.1 0.7 2.4 9.0 7.2 1.8 6.6

South East 6.1 5.2 0.9 3.2 9.7 7.2 2.6 8.8

England 6.3 5.2 1.1 3.3 9.1 6.7 2.4 7.3



Page 111

6.41 The characteristics of East Berkshire’s schools themselves are impacted by the diverse local

population. As mentioned previously, in Slough, only 35% of the secondary school

population is classified as being white British. This contrasts significantly with the figure of

56% in the total population suggested by the Mid Year Population estimates. School rolls

highlight large Pakistani and Indian pupil populations (25% and 14% respectively) and along

with significant white non‐British school and Black African population (9% and 7%

respectively). By contrast, in RBWM, 80% of secondary school pupils are classified as white

British.

6.42 These trends have significant impacts on languages spoken in schools. Statistics suggest that

in Slough, English is first language for only 46% of pupils – a very low proportion. In RBWM,

the figure is 85%. It is important to note that this is likely to reflect pupils from established

ethnic minority communities in Slough, along with more recent migrants.

Figure 6‐15: First Language Spoken at School


Post 16 Education

6.43 In recent years increasing levels of emphasis have been placed on efforts to 16‐18 year olds

are engaged in education, training or employment. Progression rates to post 16 education in

East Berkshire are set out below:

Slough performs strongly in this respect, with 89% of 16‐17 year olds engaged in full

time education and a very high rate (98%) engaged in either full time education, part

time education or work based learning. Whilst it is important to note that there are

caveats regarding the reliability of the data (see note in table below), it is significant

that the rate is more than ten percentage points above the regional and national

average and has increased by 13 percentage points over the decade.

In RBWM, around 71% of 16‐17 year olds are involved in full time education, with

76% involved in full time education, part time education or work based learning. This

rate is around 10 percentage points below regional and national averages and has

54

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First language is known or believed to be other than English First language is known or believed to be English Percentage Unclassified


Page 112

decreased by 12 percentage points over the decade.

Figure 6‐16: Progression to Post 16 Education in East Berkshire

Full Time Education WBL Part‐time education Total Education & WBL

% % Point Change 99‐08




Slough 89 20 4 ‐5 5 ‐2 98 13

RBWM 71 ‐8 2 ‐3 3 ‐2 76 ‐12

Hillingdon 85 12 5 ‐1 3 ‐2 93 9

Hounslow 86 4 4 ‐1 4 1 93 4

Reading 81 16 5 ‐1 3 ‐1 90 15

South East 77 7 5 ‐2 4 0 85 5

England 75 9 7 ‐3 4 ‐2 86 5

NOTE: It is important to note that due to technicalities involved with the methodology of the data set, in some cases pupils attending education in the local area but not residing locally may be counted.


6.44 Despite strong performance at GCSE Level, performance is below regional and national

average at A Level (in terms of the average number of points scored by each candidate) in

both Slough and RBWM.

Figure 6‐17: A Level Performance in East Berkshire Schools

A Level Results – Average Points Score per Candidate 2009 Change 2005‐10

Slough 710.2 10.7 (change in points scored)

Windsor and Maidenhead 712.1 39.1 (change in points scored)

South East Region 732.9 15.7 (change in points scored)

England 739.1 17.6 (change in points scored)


6.45 More information on the performance of young people in East Berkshire in terms of skills

can be gained by analysis of those who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).

6.46 Connexions calculate the number of people who are NEET based upon the proportion of

young people who are known to them. Data for 2009 indicates NEET rates for Slough and

RBWM of 6% and 5.5% respectively – similar to regional averages and below the national

average. The proportion of those classified as being in the NEET group has increased in

recent years –reflecting in part the wider economic context.


Page 113

Figure 6‐18: Estimated Proportion of 16‐18 Year Olds Not in Education, Employment or Training – 2008‐9

Note: 2009 data are an average of the figures provided by Connexions at the end of November 2009, December 2009 and January 2010. They include all young people known to Connexions who were aged 16, 17 or 18 at that time. The number of 16‐18 year olds known to Connexions includes those whose education establishment is located in the local authority area, regardless of where the young person resides. 16‐18 year olds known to be undertaking a Gap Year, or in custody, are not recorded by Connexions as NEET . The number and % of 16‐18 year olds NEET have been adjusted to assume a proportion of those whose current activity is not known are NEET. The figures above cannot be compared with the DfE estimate of the proportion of young people NEET (SFR 20/2010). The DfE figures use a range of data from different sources to estimate the proportion of the population that is NEET, and relate to the young person's academic age

Source: Connexions

6.47 Within Slough, the number of NEETs is highest in the Central, Chalvey and Wexham Lea and

Britwell wards. In RBWM, rates are highest in the Oldfield, Furze Platt, Clewer North and

Pinkneys Green wards.

Further Education Provision in East BerkshireThe main further education provider in East Berkshire is East Berkshire College. The College is a large general further education College operating in Slough, Windsor and the surrounding areas. It offers a diverse range of courses from pre‐entry to level 3 and, in some areas, level 4 for young people and adults. Higher education provision has been developed to meet local and regional employers’ skills needs. In 2009/10 there were 10,654 Learners (4,042 FTE or 5,460 SLN) at the college, with 16‐18 Provision representing around 55% of guided learning hours. Reflecting the local demography described previously, 37% of learners are from black and minority ethnic (BME) communities and at the last count there were over 100 different nationalities at the College. Langley campus houses mainly vocational programmes including Construction, Engineering, Hair and Beauty, and Health and Care. Windsor campus, a new build opened in 2006/07, houses A‐Level provision and a range of full time and part time programmes for adults and young people. In addition, the College operates from numerous community locations in the local area, Maidenhead and surrounding areas. The College’s largest area of provision is Skills for Life including ESOL and Construction. The growth in these areas is in response to local and regional needs Skills for Life provision, including a large ESOL offer, are offered in a wide range of venues as part of the College’s aim to aid social and educational inclusion. There are over 1,000 learners on ESOL courses starting at pre entry and going up to level 2. The college also runs ESOL for Work and Citizenship courses. First languages spoken on these courses

5.3%

5.1% 5.3% 5.5%

8.6%

5.2% 5.

7%

6.7%

6.0%

5.5%

5.4%

4.7%

6.5%

5.7%

5.8% 6.

4%

0%

1%

2%

3%

4%

5%

6%

7%

8%

9%

10%

Slough Windsor & Maidenhead

Hillingdon Hounslow Reading East Berkshire South East England


16‐18 year old NEET (%

)

2008 2009


Page 114

include Somali, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu and Polish. A large proportion of provision is level 2 or below. However, Foundation Degrees have been developed in key vocational areas to offer local progression to Higher Education. The college also manages a large work‐based learning contract with over 589 apprentices in Construction, Motor Vehicle and Engineering, Hairdressing and Care. The College has developed a large and successful Train to Gain provision that represents over £1M of business in 2009/10.

Higher Education

6.48 Whilst Slough and RBWM perform below average in terms of A Level result, both boroughs –

and particularly Slough – perform well in terms of progression to higher education. In

Slough, around 12 people for every 1,000 residents entered higher education in 2008/9 –

compared to 9.4 per 1,000 residents across the South East.

6.49 Anecdotally, the high number of Slough residents going to university reflects high aspirations

within the area’s BME communities. This trend – not necessarily the case amongst the wider

student population – also typically see local residents travelling relatively short distances to

university, living at home for the duration and staying in the area after graduating due to

family networks and communities.

Figure 6‐19: Entrants to Higher Education per 1,000 Residents

2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09

Slough 13.4 11.4 10.9 11.3 12.0

Windsor and Maidenhead 11.3 10.4 10.0 10.1 10.2

Hillingdon 9.8 10.3 9.9 10.3 11.1

Hounslow 11.3 11.6 10.9 11.6 12.1

Reading 11.1 10.7 9.6 10.9 10.4

South East Region 9.3 9.5 8.8 9.0 9.4

England 9.9 10.2 9.6 9.8 10.3


6.50 Located in such close proximity to London, East Berkshire residents have access to a large

and diverse number of institutions with higher education provision. The main provider of

higher education in East Berkshire itself is Thames Valley University. Despite a strong

historical presence in Slough, Thames Valley University has been slowly moving away from

the area, moving students to campuses in West London and Reading. The Slough campus is

expected to close in the near future, with the site forming part of the Heart of Slough

development proposals.

6.51 As discussed above, East Berkshire College offers a small amount of Higher Education

provision.

A Gap Between the Skills of Slough Residents and the Jobs Available Locally...

6.52 A further indication of the skills levels of local residents can be gained by analysis of the

occupational profile of the local population.

6.53 Overall, East Berkshire has a relatively skilled labour market in terms of the occupational

profile of residents – around 35% of residents are employment as either managers and

senior officials, or in professional occupations, a higher proportion than that seen regionally


Page 115

and nationally.

6.54 However, reflecting those trends described previously, there is a large degree of disparity

within East Berkshire. Whilst skills levels of RBWM residents are on average high (over a

quarter of residents are employed as managers and senior officials), the opposite is true in

Slough. Here, the proportion of residents in occupations perceived to require higher levels of

skill is below average, whilst the proportion of those working in bobs which are perceived to

require lower skills levels is above regional and national average.

Figure 6‐20: Occupation Profile of Residents, 2009



6.55 One of the notable trends in terms of occupational structure in East Berkshire is the strong

disparity between workforce and resident skills levels in Slough. Whilst Slough residents are

on average occupied in less highly skilled jobs than average, the actual jobs on offer in the

Borough typically require higher levels of skills than average across comparator areas

(including RBWM, the South East and Great Britain). Around 45% of jobs in Slough are in

managerial or professional occupations – the average across the region is 31%.

6.56 The disparity between workplace and residents skills in Slough is highlighted in the charts

below.

13.4

25.215.6 16.9 17.1 17.4

26.320.0 21.3 18.2 15.7

13.9

15.1

10.6 15.6 18.5 17.1

16.5

14.6 15.914.5

13.7

13.7

19.1

13.2

17.1 14.7 15.1

15.4

16.7 15.015.2

14.7

12.3

11.6

10.5

11.3 9.9 15.811.8

11.9 11.711.6

11.2

8.3

9.1

9.6

8.1 5.77.1

8.58.8 7.9

9.810.4

8.3

7.3

9.3

6.96.9

8.46.5

7.7 7.6 8.68.7

7.5

5.0

9.97.5 8.2

2.55.0

6.1 6.4 6.77.4

8.1

1.3

10.5 5.2 5.17.1

2.04.3 4.4 5.0 6.6

13.36.3 10.2 10.9 13.6 9.5 7.9 9.4 9.4 10.0 11.1

0.0

10.0

20.0

30.0

40.0

50.0

60.0

70.0

80.0

90.0

100.0

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Local Authority Areas Wider Geographies

% o

f Th

ose

in E

mpl

oym

ent

by O

ccup

atio

n

Managers And Senior Officials Professional Occupations Associate Prof & Tech OccupationsAdministrative And Secretarial Occupations Skilled Trades Occupations Personal Service OccupationsSales And Customer Service Occupations Process, Plant And Machine Operatives Elementary Occupations


Page 116

Figure 6‐21: Occupation Profile of Workforce, 2009



6.57 Consultation with stakeholders across East Berkshire has revealed this trend – a significant

gap between the skills held by Slough residents and the skills required by jobs on offer in the

Borough – to be one of the core labour market challenges for the area going forward. The

trend suggests that many of the jobs on offer in Slough are taken by residents outside of the

Borough – an issue which is explored in more detail later in this chapter.

Self Employment

6.58 Analysis of self employment data is important on a number of levels. Self employment can

provide further indication of skills levels within the labour market – strong levels of self

employment would usually indicate the presence residents with a strong skills set. The

presence of residents with entrepreneurial tendencies also has positive implications in terms

of local economic performance. From a more logistical point of view, areas with strong self

27%22%

17% 20% 19% 19% 23% 22% 25% 22%17% 16%

17%

17%

9%12% 20% 13%

17% 15%17%

18%

14% 13%

10%16%

16%

18%16%

18%

18%14%

14% 15%

15% 15%

11% 13%

10%

13%11%

11%

12%

12%12% 12%

12%11%

6%10%

8%

7%8%

11%

7%

8%8% 9%

10% 11%

7%5%

14%

8% 6% 9%6%

7%6% 7%

8% 8%

5%4%

6%5% 8% 4%

5%6% 4% 6%

8% 8%

7% 5%8%

6%5%

7%5%

5% 6% 5%5% 7%

10% 9% 12% 9% 7% 9% 7%12% 9% 8% 11% 11%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

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Sout

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cks

Spel

thor

ne

Wyc

ombe

East

Ber

kshi

re

Tham

es V

alle

y LE

P

Sout

h Ea

st

Gre

at B

ritai

n


% o

f W

orke

rs

Managers and Senior Officials Professional Occupations Associate Prof & Tech Occupations Administrative and Secretarial Occupations Skilled Trades Occupations Personal Service Occupations Sales and Customer Service Occupations Process, Plant and Machine Operatives Elementary occupations

48%

33%

18%

41%

36%

21%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Higher Skilled Occupations Intermediate Skilled Occupations Lower Skileld Occupations

Proportion of those in Employm

ent

Slough Workplace Slough Residents


Page 117

employment bases need to give consideration to the needs of this group – whether it in

terms of business accommodation (there are often also implications in terms of home

working) or tailored business support.

6.59 Self employment was discussed in the previous chapter – in East Berkshire, the self

employment rate is 9.2% ‐ below the South East average of 10.4% but above the national

average. As is the case across all comparator geographies, self employment rates are more

than double for males than they are for females. Within East Berkshire, self employment

rates are 7.4% and 10.8% for Slough and RBWM respectively. A few trends are noticeable

here. In RBWM, the self employment rate amongst females (7.6%) is higher than in other

geography. Conversely, in Slough the self employment rate is for females is lower than most

benchmark geographies at 3.2%.

Strong Performance in RBWM in terms of Adult learning and job related training...

6.60 Adult learning and job related training is an important mechanism by which labour force

skills are refreshed and upgraded.

6.61 As highlighted in the figure below, levels of job related training remain significantly higher

for those in public sector occupations than those working in the private sector. Whilst levels

of job related training do not appear to vary significantly geographically (RBWM performs

slightly better than comparator geographies), there has been a noticeable decline in levels of

job related training since 2005. This is likely to reflect the pressure but on employers during

the recessionary period – a time during which ‘non‐essential’ outlays such as employee

training are often scaled back.


Page 118

Figure 6‐22: Job Related Training by Group (top) and % Point Change in Those Receiving Job Related Training, 2005‐ 2009 (bottom)


6.62 The Annual Population Survey provides detail on levels of learning more generally across the

adult population. East Berkshire performs strongly in this respect – the result of very strong

performance within RBWM.

6.63 The proportion of adults with no adult learning in RBWM is just under 30% ‐ a lower rate

than all comparator areas. This strong performance may reflect the success of various adult

skills programmes on offer in the Borough such as Grow our Own. It is also likely to reflect a

strong uptake in so called ‘leisure and pleasure’ courses amongst more affluent residents.

6.64 In Slough the rate of residents with no adult learning is similar to regional and national

comparators at 37%. Here, there is a strong disparity between the proportion of males with

no adult learning (39%) and females (34%).

20.6

29.4

35.332.1

26.3

20.6

46.5

22.9

29.7

35.5

30.1

24

38.4

44.3

21.8

29.6

35.4

31

25

30.4

45.3

19.7

26.5

31.728.7

21.418.9

41.8

18.7

26.6

33.3

28.9

20.918.8

41.9

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

All people aged 16‐64

Employees & self emp. aged

16

In managerial & prof. occups.

In service industries

In private services

In production Public sector

% of all w

ho received job related training in

last 13 weeks

Slough Windsor and Maidenhead East Berkshire South East Great Britain

‐10

‐8

‐6

‐4

‐2

0

2

4

6

8

All people aged 16‐64

Employees & self emp. aged 16

In managerial & prof. occups.

In service industries

In private services

In production Public sector

% point change

2005‐2009

Slough Windsor and Maidenhead East Berkshire Thames Valley LEP South East Great Britain


Page 119

Figure 6‐23: % of Residents with No Adult Learning, 2005‐ 2009


Skills Gaps in East Berkshire It is clear from the analysis in the preceding sections that skills gaps exist in East Berkshire. The nature of the skills gaps vary from Slough to RBWM. In Slough, there is a clear gap between the skills levels of the resident population and the jobs available in the local area. Levels of skills in Slough are relatively low in comparison to those in RBWM and across East Berkshire’s functional economic area. This places Slough’s residents at a considerable disadvantage and has real implications in terms of levels of economic activity and worklessness locally. This is examined in detail in the next section. In response a number of local partners (including East Berkshire College and JCP) are focusing on engaging with local employers to identify local skills needs and where necessary adjust provision to reflect these. The Slough Skills Campaign was launched in 2007 bringing together local businesses, training providers and government agencies to discuss the key skills challenges locally, including how to help local businesses be more competitive through the talent of their people and how to help local people develop the skills needed most by local employers. Other programmes involve the local Education Business Partnership, which focuses on matching schools to employers, along with a wider programme of business mentoring in schools. In coming years, SEGRO is also planning to deliver Slough Aspire – a dedicated skills training centre aiming to enhance collaboration between the community and business – as part of the Slough Trading Estate Masterplan. In RBWM, the skills gap is of a different nature. Whilst the population is on average relatively highly skilled, the nature of the local economy means that there are significant numbers of jobs in the leisure, hospitality and retail sectors – sectors which typically require lower levels of skill. Anecdotal evidence has suggested that in locations such as Windsor, local people are typically not accessing these jobs – examples are cited where local businesses in the hospitality sector recruit through overseas agencies. The desire that more local jobs are filled by local resident is highlighted by the focus of RBWM’s Grown our Own programme – which aims to ensure that local people have the adequate skills to fills local jobs – focusing in particular on sectors such as Leisure and Hospitality, Retail, and Travel and Tourism. Part of the programme focuses on engaging local employers and making them aware of the benefits of local recruitment. Reflecting the needs of local employers, East Berkshire College also focuses in particular on provision relating to these sectors. Other than the impact on levels of worklessness, the most tangible effects of East Berkshire’s skills

36.8

29.8

37.9 39

.1

31.5

37.4 38

.4

38.9

33.0

32.3

37.2 39

.2

39.3

28.5

40.4

36.8

31.3

39.2

37.0

45.5

33.6

31.8

37.6 39

.9

33.9

31.2

35.1

41.6

31.8

35.5

40.1

31.5 32

.5

32.8

36.8 38

.3

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50



Thames Valley LEP



Proportion of residents with no adult learning

% with no adult learning ‐ aged 16‐64 % with no adult learning ‐males aged 16‐64 % with no adult learning ‐ females aged 16‐64


Page 120

gaps relate to the impact that they have on migration and travel to work dynamics locally. As previously discussed, in recent years Slough has been the subject of significant in‐flows of migrants, many of whom are attracted to the area by the relatively low cost of living and the availability of work. On a more day‐to‐day basis, the skills gaps result in significant commuter flows both within and into / out of East Berkshire as people seek to access jobs equivalent to their skills levels. In turn, there are significant implications in terms of capacity of transport infrastructure and the more general environmental implications of such movements. These travel to work patterns are considered in detail later in this chapter.

Economic Activity and Employment Rates

6.65 Economic Activity and Employment Rates are key indicators of economic performance of an

area and of the labour pool that an area offers.

Higher Levels of Economic Activity and Employment than in Slough...

6.66 Economic Activity measures those who are either in employment or who are unemployed

but seeking employment.

6.67 There are over half a million economic active people across East Berkshire’s functional

economic area – a considerable labour pool for the local economy to draw upon.

6.68 East Berkshire’s economic activity rate of 78.9% is slightly below the regional average but

above the national average. Male economic activity rates are particularly high at 87.1%

whilst female economic activity rates are lower at 70.7%. However, this is a trend which is

replicated across each of the comparator geographies. In recent years, East Berkshire has

seen a small (0.3 percentage point) decline in economic activity rate, the result of a 5.4

percentage point decline in the economic activity rate of 16‐24 year olds. The trend affecting

this cohort mirrors that seen regionally and nationally.

6.69 The overall figure for East Berkshire, however, masks disparity in economic activity rates

between Slough and RBWM:

Slough – an economic activity rate of 76.7% (similar to the regional average and

above the national average). There is a larger than average disparity between the

male rate (86.6%) and the female rate (66.5%). Anecdotal evidence suggests that

the low levels of female economic activity in Slough can partly be explained by the

diverse nature of the local population and cultural factors particular to certain ethnic

groups. In recent years, the economic activity rate has fallen by 1.5 percentage

points. There have been relatively large declines in economic activity rates for

females (4.6 percentage points), 16‐24 year olds (6.5 percentage points) and 50‐64

years olds (3.7 percentage points).

RBWM – an economic activity rate of 80.9% ‐ above many of the comparator areas.

Economic activity rates are 87.6% and 74.3% for males and females respectively. The

Borough has noticeably strong levels of economic activity amongst the 50+ age

group (79.3% compared to 73% regionally). In recent years RBWM has seen an

overall small increase in economic activity rate. The female group and the 50‐64 age

group have seen increases of 4 percentage points and 5.8 percentage points

respectively. However, these increases have been offset by decreasing rates for

males and the 16‐24 age group.


Page 121

Figure 6‐24: Economic Activity Rates, 2009 – By Gender (top) and By Cohort (bottom)


76.7

80.9 80.277.2

80.5

75.677.3

80.978.9

81.0 79.676.5

86.6 87.684.7

81.9

87.490.7 90.4

87.4 87.1 87.6 86.182.7

66.5

74.3 75.872.2 72.8

61.164.7

74.470.7

74.2 73.270.3

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Slough Windsor and

Maidenhead


Thames Valley LEP


Percentage

Economic activity rate ‐ aged 16‐64 Economic activity rate males ‐ aged 16‐64 Economic activity rate females ‐ aged 16‐64

64.261.9

68.5

56.8

64.8 65.9

82.1

75.6

63.166.5 66.9

64.1

84.587.6

85.982.2

87.8 87.0

81.8

88.886.1

88.1 87.585.2

67.0

79.375.8

80.0

71.5

63.9 62.6

70.674.4 75.1

72.8

67.9

7.210.7

6.510.2 11.3

14.212.0

6.09.6 11.0 9.7

7.9

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100



Thames Valley LEP


Percentage

Economic activity rate ‐ aged 16‐24 Economic activity rate ‐ aged 25‐49 Economic activity rate ‐ aged 50‐64 Economic activity rate ‐ aged 65+


Page 122

Figure 6‐25: Change in Economic Activity Rates 2004‐2009 – By Gender (top) and By Cohort (bottom)


-1.5

0.9

2.6 2.4

0.0

-7.7

-4.7

-1.1-0.3 -0.5 -0.7

0.1

1.7

-2.3

0.0

-0.4 -0.9 -0.5

3.0

-0.9 -0.4-1.5 -1.4

-0.7

-4.6

4.05.2 5.2

0.9

-14.3

-12.0

-1.4

0.00.6 0.1

0.9

‐20

‐15

‐10

‐5

0

5

10

Slough Windsor and

Maidenhead


Thames Valley LEP


% Point Chnage

Economic activity rate ‐ aged 16‐64 Economic activity rate males ‐ aged 16‐64 Economic activity rate females ‐ aged 16‐64

-6.5

-3.7

3.3

-11.0

-2.7 -2.1

8.9

5.3

-5.4 -5.0-5.8

-4.1

1.4 0.71.8

0.8 1.5

-0.6

-7.5

1.3 1.1 0.6 0.5 1.0

-3.7

5.8 5.7

17.3

-5.3

-19.4

-8.6-6.7

2.00.7 0.9

1.80.5

1.60.7 1.1 1.3

5.6

3.4

-8.0

1.42.2

1.3 1.6

‐25

‐20

‐15

‐10

‐5

0

5

10

15

20

Slough Windsor and

Maidenhead


Thames Valley LEP


% Point Chnage

Economic activity rate ‐ aged 16‐24 Economic activity rate ‐ aged 25‐49 Economic activity rate ‐ aged 50‐64 Economic activity rate ‐ aged 65+


Page 123

Figure 6‐26: Economic Activity Rate Changes 2004‐2009 – Slough (top), RBWM (middle) and East Berkshire (bottom)


6.70 Employment ‐ East Berkshire’s employment rate of 73.5% is slightly below the regional

average but above the national average. Male employment rates are particularly high at

80.1% whilst female economic activity rates are lower at 66.9% ‐ again a trend which is

replicated across each of the comparator geographies. Relative to the national average, East

Berkshire employment rates are particularly high in the 50‐64 age group (71.2%).

77

64

7

87

67

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Jan 2004-Dec 2004

Jul 2004-Jun 2005

Jan 2005-Dec 2005

Jul 2005-Jun 2006

Jan 2006-Dec 2006

Jul 2006-Jun 2007

Jan 2007-Dec 2007

Jul 2007-Jun 2008

Jan 2008-Dec 2008

Jul 2008-Jun 2009

Jan 2009-Dec 2009

Perc

enta

ge

Aged 16-64 Aged 16-24 Aged 25-49 Aged 50-64 Aged 65+ Males aged 16-64 Females aged 16-65

62

79

11

88

74

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Jan 2004-Dec 2004

Jul 2004-Jun 2005

Jan 2005-Dec 2005

Jul 2005-Jun 2006

Jan 2006-Dec 2006

Jul 2006-Jun 2007

Jan 2007-Dec 2007

Jul 2007-Jun 2008

Jan 2008-Dec 2008

Jul 2008-Jun 2009

Jan 2009-Dec 2009

Perc

enta

ge


79

63

10

87

71

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Jan 2004-Dec 2004

Jul 2004-Jun 2005

Jan 2005-Dec 2005

Jul 2005-Jun 2006

Jan 2006-Dec 2006

Jul 2006-Jun 2007

Jan 2007-Dec 2007

Jul 2007-Jun 2008

Jan 2008-Dec 2008

Jul 2008-Jun 2009

Jan 2009-Dec 2009

Perc

enta

ge



Page 124

6.71 In recent years, the number of people in employment in East Berkshire has increased by

2.1% (around 2,600 people). Despite this, during the same time period the actual

employment rate has seen a 2.3 percentage point decrease – largely the result of a large (4.7

percentage point) increase in the female cohort. This trend – replicated across comparator

geographies – reflect the difficult economic conditions which have been experienced since

2007.

6.72 Again, however, the overall figure for East Berkshire, masks disparity in employment rates

between Slough and RBWM:

Slough – an employment rate of 70.1% (below the regional average and national

average). Again, the disparity between the male rate (78.4%) and the female rate

(61.4%) is high. Employment rates are particularly low in the 50‐64 age group (63%)

compared to RBWM (76.7%). In recent years, the total number of people in

employment in the Borough has fallen by 2.4% (around 1,400 people), whilst the

employment rate itself has decreased by 4 percentage points. The female group has

been disproportionately affected by this trend.

RBWM – an employment rate of 76.4% ‐ above many of the comparator areas.

Economic activity rates are 81.6% and 71.5% for males and females respectively. The

Borough has noticeably strong levels of employment amongst the 50‐64 age group

(76.7% compared to 69.8% regionally). In recent years RBWM has seen a large

increase in the absolute number of residents in employment (6%; around 4,000

people) – largely due to a large increase in the number of females in employment

(plus 12.8%). At the same time, however, the actual employment rate has decreased

by 1 percentage point – including a large increase in female employment rate and

decrease in male employment rate.

Figure 6‐27: Summary of Employment Levels, Working Age

2009 Change 2005‐9

No. % Number Absolute (%) % Point

Slough 57,200 70.1 ‐1,400 ‐2.4 ‐4.0

Windsor and Maidenhead 70,900 76.4 4,000 6.0 ‐1.0

Hillingdon 124,700 73.6 4,900 4.1 ‐0.8

Hounslow 110,400 70.2 8,900 8.8 1.6

Reading 75,700 74.7 1,500 2.0 ‐1.8

South Bucks 29,000 72.8 ‐1,800 ‐5.8 ‐8.0

Spelthorne 44,200 73.7 ‐1,200 ‐2.6 ‐5.2

Wycombe 75,100 74.2 ‐5,900 ‐7.3 ‐4.9

East Berkshire 128,100 73.5 2,600 2.1 ‐2.3

Thames Valley LEP 425,100 76.0 8,300 2.0 ‐2.5

South East 3,993,900 74.5 11,300 0.3 ‐2.8

Great Britain 27,225,700 70.3 104,100 0.4 ‐2.4



Page 125

Figure 6‐28: Employment Rates, 2009 – By Gender (top) and By Cohort (bottom)


70.1

76.473.6

70.2

74.772.8 73.7 74.2 73.5

76.074.5

70.3

78.481.6

79.4

74.3

81.4

84.8 85.6

79.4 80.181.7

79.9

75.2

61.4

71.5

68.065.9

67.3

61.162.5

69.166.9

70.2 69.2

65.5

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90



Thames Valley LEP


Percentage

Employment rate ‐ aged 16‐64 Employment rate males ‐ aged 16‐64 Employment rate females ‐ aged 16‐64

51.2 51.9

56.3

45.5

58.8

65.9

79.6

52.8 51.6

57.155.3

51.4

79.1

84.0

80.2

76.0

81.9 81.2

77.5

84.781.6

84.0 83.5

79.8

63.0

76.7

71.774.4

66.363.9

60.4

69.571.2 71.4

69.8

64.8

7.210.4

6.5

10.2 10.814.2

12.0

6.09.3 10.5 9.4

7.7

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90


Hillingdon Hounslow Reading South Bucks Spelthorne Wycombe East Berkshire Thames Valley LEP


Percentage

Employment rate ‐ aged 16‐24 Employment rate ‐ aged 25‐49 Employment rate ‐ aged 50‐64 Employment rate ‐ aged 65+


Page 126

Figure 6‐29: Change in Employment Rates 2004‐2009 – Gender (top) and Cohort (bottom)


-2.4

6.0

4.1

8.8

2.0

-5.8

-2.6

-7.3

2.1 2.0

0.3 0.4

-0.3

0.3

3.6

7.3

3.1

0.0

3.7

-7.6

0.0 0.3

-1.4 -1.0

-5.0

12.8

4.7

10.5

0.3

-12.7

-9.9

-6.9

4.7 4.2

2.2 2.0

‐15

‐10

‐5

0

5

10

15



Thames Valley LEP


Absolute Change

(%)


-4.0

-1.0 -0.8

1.6

-1.8

-8.0

-5.2 -4.9

-2.3 -2.5 -2.8-2.4

-1.5

-4.9

-1.3

0.0

-1.4

-2.6

1.5

-5.3

-3.2-3.8

-4.2 -3.9

-6.4

3.2

-0.3

3.2

-2.2

-13.1

-11.2

-4.3

-1.2 -1.1 -1.4-0.9

‐14

‐12

‐10

‐8

‐6

‐4

‐2

0

2

4

6



Thames Valley LEP


Percentage

Point Change



Page 127

Figure 6‐30: Change in Employment Rates 2004‐2009 ‐ Slough, RBWM and East Berkshire


Worklessness

6.73 Worklessness is a term used to describe those without a job. It includes working age people

(not in full time education or training) who are:

Economically Inactive – those without work and not actively seeking work; or

51

63

7

7480

67

59

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Jan 2004-Dec 2004

Jul 2004-Jun 2005

Jan 2005-Dec 2005

Jul 2005-Jun 2006

Jan 2006-Dec 2006

Jul 2006-Jun 2007

Jan 2007-Dec 2007

Jul 2007-Jun 2008

Jan 2008-Dec 2008

Jul 2008-Jun 2009

Jan 2009-Dec 2009

Perc

enta

ge

Aged 16-64 Aged 16-24 Aged 25-49Aged 50-64 Aged 65+ Males aged 16-64Females aged 16-65 Aged 16-64 white UK national Aged 16-64 white not UK national

52

84

10

727881

65

55

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Jan 2004-Dec 2004

Jul 2004-Jun 2005

Jan 2005-Dec 2005

Jul 2005-Jun 2006

Jan 2006-Dec 2006

Jul 2006-Jun 2007

Jan 2007-Dec 2007

Jul 2007-Jun 2008

Jan 2008-Dec 2008

Jul 2008-Jun 2009

Jan 2009-Dec 2009

Perc

enta

ge

Title

Aged 16-64 Aged 16-24 Aged 25-49 Aged 50-64

Aged 65+ Males aged 16-64 Females aged 16-65 Aged 16-64 white UK national

Aged 16-64 white not UK national Aged 16-64 ethnic minority UK national Aged 16-64 ethnic minority not UK national

52

71

9

7781

67

59

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

Jan 2004-Dec 2004

Jul 2004-Jun 2005

Jan 2005-Dec 2005

Jul 2005-Jun 2006

Jan 2006-Dec 2006

Jul 2006-Jun 2007

Jan 2007-Dec 2007

Jul 2007-Jun 2008

Jan 2008-Dec 2008

Jul 2008-Jun 2009

Jan 2009-Dec 2009

Perc

enta

ge

Aged 16-64 Aged 16-24 Aged 25-49 Aged 50-64

Aged 65+ Males aged 16-64 Females aged 16-65 Aged 16-64 white UK national

Aged 16-64 white not UK national Aged 16-64 ethnic minority UK national Aged 16-64 ethnic minority not UK national


Page 128

Unemployed – those without work and actively looking for a job

6.74 The workless group includes those who work in the informal economy and those who claim

benefits as well as those who do not. Many of those who are economically inactive are

outside of the labour market voluntarily, because of family responsibilities or early

retirement for example. Many others may have withdrawn from the labour market due to

discouragement and would work if they had the right opportunity, incentive or path back to

employment.

6.75 Workless residents face multiple barriers hindering them from finding work. These barriers

may include – the institutional benefits trap; low skill levels; poor language skills; poor

health; psychological barriers; poor transport links and other local barriers. Typically many

people face multiple barriers. These reinforce each other and make returning to work harder

to achieve.

High Rates of Economic Inactivity amongst Females in Slough...

6.76 Overall economic inactivity rates are the inverse of those economic activity rates described

previously. A summary of the key data for economic inactivity is presented below:

Across East Berkshire, around 36,700 people are classified as being economically

inactive. This amounts to a rate of 21.1%, slightly above the South East average.

Since 2004, the number of economically inactive people in East Berkshire has

increased by 8,100 (or 7.6%). This amounts to a 0.5 percentage point increase since

2004.

Within East Berkshire, there are 19,000 economically inactive people in Slough

(23.3%) and 17,800 economically inactive people in RBWM (19.1%) – this latter rate

is lower than most comparator geographies. In recent years, the absolute number of

economically inactive people has increased in both RBWM and Slough – the latter

has seen a relatively large increase of 1,800 people (10.5%). Indeed, the inactivity

rate has actually fallen in RBWM over that period.

Figure 6‐31: Summary of Economic Inactivity

2009 Change 2004‐2009

Number % Absolute(No.)

Absolute (%)

% Point Change

Slough 19,000 23.3 1,800 10.5 1.5

Windsor and Maidenhead 17,800 19.1 500 2.9 ‐0.9

Hillingdon 33,500 19.8 ‐2,700 ‐7.5 ‐2.6

Hounslow 35,900 22.8 ‐1,500 ‐4.0 ‐2.4

Reading 19,800 19.5 900 4.8 0.0

South Bucks 9,700 24.4 3,300 51.6 7.7

Spelthorne 13,600 22.7 3,200 30.8 4.7

Wycombe 19,400 19.1 900 4.9 1.1

East Berkshire 36,700 21.1 2,200 6.4 0.3

Thames Valley LEP 106,400 19.0 8,100 8.2 0.5

South East 1,094,400 20.4 77,700 7.6 0.7

Great Britain 9,104,400 23.5 291,300 3.3 ‐0.1



Page 129

6.77 It is useful to analyse in more detail the characteristics of those who are economically active.

Gender – Economic inactivity rates are higher for females than males across all

geographies. In Slough, however, the disparity between rates for the two groups is

20 percentage points, with the female inactivity rate at 33.5%. This disparity is much

larger than in RBWM (around 13 percentage points) and across the South East (again

around 13 percentage points). Of the comparator areas, the economic inactivity rate

for females is higher only in Spelthorne and South Buck.

Age Cohort – Discounting the 65+ age group, economic inactivity rates are highest

amongst the 16‐24 and 50‐64 age groups across all geographies. In both Slough and

RBWM, the rate of inactivity amongst the 16‐24 age group is higher than the

regional average. However, RBWM performs particularly well in the older cohorts –

the inactivity rate of 50‐64 year olds in the Borough is well below many comparator

geographies including the regional average. Indeed, the rate is 13 percentage points

below that of Slough.

Ethnic Origin – as is the case across many comparator geographies, economic

inactivity rates are highest in the ethnic minority not UK national group, and lowest

amongst the white non UK group. This trend is replicated in Slough – the white non

UK ethnic group has a particularly low inactivity rate of 16.2%. This backs up

anecdotal evidence that worklessness tends to be less of an issue amongst more

transitory population which may include migrants from places such as Eastern

Europe. In RBWM, however, economic inactivity is lowest amongst the white UK

national group (at 17.7%). The Borough also has a higher rate of inactivity amongst

the ethnic minority non UK national group (38%) than any other geography.

Ethnicity – data suggests that in East Berkshire, economic inactivity is highest

amongst the Pakistani / Bangladeshi ethnic group and the other ethnic origin group

– again reflecting overall national and regional trends. There appears to be a

particular issue amongst the Pakistani / Bangladeshi group in RBWM – here, the

inactivity rate is 61.9% ‐ 22 percentage points higher than the rate seen in Slough

and 27 percentage points higher than the regional average. It is important to note

here that the confidence level for this data is low.


Page 130

Figure 6‐32: Economic Inactivity 2009 –By Gender (top) and By Cohort (bottom)


23.3

19.119.8

22.8

19.5

24.4

22.7

19.1

21.1

19.0

20.4

23.5

13.412.4

15.3

18.1

12.6

9.3 9.6

12.6 12.9 12.4

13.9

17.3

33.5

25.7

24.2

27.827.2

38.9

35.3

25.6

29.3

25.826.8

29.7

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45


Hillingdon Hounslow Reading South Bucks Spelthorne Wycombe East Berkshire Thames Valley LEP


Percentage

% who are economically inactive ‐ aged 16‐64 % of males who are economically inactive ‐ aged 16‐64 % of females who are economically inactive ‐ aged 16‐64

35.838.1

31.5

43.2

35.2 34.1

17.9

24.4

36.9

33.5 33.135.9

15.512.4

14.1

17.8

12.2 13.0

18.2

11.213.9

11.9 12.514.8

33.0

20.7

24.2

20.0

28.5

36.137.4

29.4

25.6 24.927.2

32.1

92.8

89.3

93.5

89.8 88.785.8

88.0

94.0

90.489.0

90.392.1

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100



Thames Valley LEP


Percentage

% who are economically inactive ‐ aged 16‐24 % who are economically inactive ‐ aged 25‐49

% who are economically inactive ‐ aged 50‐64 % who are economically inactive ‐ aged 65+


Page 131

Figure 6‐33: Economic Inactivity 2009 – By Ethnic Origin (top) and By Ethnicity (bottom)


6.78 The Annual Population Survey allows analysis of the reason why people are economically in

active.

6.79 Across East Berkshire, around three quarters of those who are economically inactive do not

want a job – compared to 73% across the South East. In Slough and RBWM, the rate is 78%

and 73% respectively. In RBWM, however, the rate of males who are economically inactive

20.1

17.7

16.4

20.8 20.4

24.6

21.5

16.4

18.4 18.2

20.0

22.5

16.2

19.0

7.4

11.8

15.2

17.6 17.3

19.9 19.8

24.5

29.6

26.3

28.3

13.8

36.7

25.4

20.821.7

31.1

33.6

38.0

31.4

26.2

23.7

31.6

34.4

28.7

30.3

35.7

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40



Thames Valley LEP


Percentage

Economic inactivity rate ‐ aged 16‐64 white UK national Economic inactivity rate ‐ aged 16‐64 white not UK national

Economic inactivity rate ‐ aged 16‐64 ethnic minority UK national Economic inactivity rate ‐ aged 16‐64 ethnic minority not UK national

19.417.8

15.2

19.2 19.618.4 18.1

20.0

22.324.4

44.4

53.9

14.4

18.6

23.6

30.7

19.4 19.3

15.2

21.8 21.219.4

16.318.0

25.5

39.3

61.9

18.9

43.4

36.6

42.1

39.0

34.6

43.9

18.7

25.9

50.3

47.5

16.0

20.219.0

23.1

28.1

31.6

35.2

31.7

24.8

17.2

32.9

26.9 27.6

35.0

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70


Hillingdon Hounslow Reading East Berkshire Thames Valley LEP


Percentage

% of whites aged 16‐64 who are economically inactive % of mixed ethnic group of aged 16‐64 who are economically inactive

% of Indians of aged 16‐64 who are economically inactive % of Pakistanis/Bangladeshis of aged 16‐64 who are economically inactive

% of Black or Black British of aged 16‐64 who are economically inactive % of other ethnic group of aged 16‐64 who are economically inactive


Page 132

and who do not want a job is noticeably low at 59.7%.

6.80 Of those who are economically inactive and who do want a jobs, the main reasons for not

looking in East Berkshire are students and looking after family / home. The student group is

particularly large in RBWM, whilst in Slough the top reason is looking after family / home.

Figure 6‐34: Economic Inactivity – % Who Are Economically Inactive and Do not Want A Job, and reasons for not looking 2009.


6.81 The charts below set out changes in economic activity rates affecting different groups in

recent years in Slough, RBWM and East Berkshire respectively. Overall trends highlight

78.0

72.7

78.2

74.0

66.4

89.5

75.4

68.7

75.4

72.073.4

76.173.8

59.7

84.2

79.8

69.5

100.0

63.8

57.0

66.7 67.669.2

72.1

79.8 78.8

74.6

70.0

64.7

87.1

78.4

74.4

79.3

74.175.5

78.4

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100



Thames Valley LEP


Percentage

% aged 16‐64 economically inactive who do not want a job % aged 16‐64 economically inactive males who do not want a job

% aged 16‐64 economically inactive females who do not want a job

4.0

4.44.2

4.03.8

3.1

0.8 0.8 0.7

2.9

4.9

3.9

4.8

7.06.8

6.5

6.26.4

7.6

6.6

5.7

5.1

7.7

6.4

5.6

3.7 3.63.4

3.73.5

5.2

4.6

4.0

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Slough Windsor and Maidenhead East Berkshire Thames Valley LEP South East Great Britain

Percentage

% aged 16‐64 economically inactive who are seeking work but unavailable to start work % aged 16‐64 econ inact who want job reason not looking ‐ discouraged worker

% aged 16‐64 econ inact who want job reason not looking ‐ long term sick % aged 16‐64 econ inact who want job reason not looking ‐ looking after family/home

% aged 16‐64 econ inact who want job reason not looking ‐ student % aged 16‐64 econ inact who want job reason not looking ‐ other


Page 133

increasing inactivity rates over the past few years – reflecting largely the changing

macroeconomic context. However, the performance of each group varies considerably in

both Slough and RBWM. Perhaps most noticeable are is the 16‐24 age group, which remains

the top inactive group in both boroughs and which has seen an increasing rate of inactivity in

recent years. The ethnic minority non UK group has also seen a relatively large increase in

inactivity rate in recent years.

Figure 6‐35: Change in Economic Inactivity Rates 2004‐2009 – Slough (top), RBWM (middle) and East Berkshire (bottom)

23.3

35.8

13.4

33.5

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

Jan 2004-Dec 2004

Jul 2004-Jun 2005

Jan 2005-Dec 2005

Jul 2005-Jun 2006

Jan 2006-Dec 2006

Jul 2006-Jun 2007

Jan 2007-Dec 2007

Jul 2007-Jun 2008

Jan 2008-Dec 2008

Jul 2008-Jun 2009

Jan 2009-Dec 2009

Perc

enta

ge

Economic inactivity rate - aged 16-64 white UK national Economic inactivity rate - aged 16-64 white not UK nationalEconomic inactivity rate - aged 16-64 ethnic minority UK national Economic inactivity rate - aged 16-64 ethnic minority not UK national% who are economically inactive - aged 16-64 % who are economically inactive - aged 50-64% who are economically inactive - aged 16-24 % who are economically inactive - aged 25-49% of males who are economically inactive - aged 16-64 % of females who are economically inactive - aged 16-64

19.120.7

38.1

25.7

0

10

20

30

40

50

Jan 2004-Dec 2004

Jul 2004-Jun 2005

Jan 2005-Dec 2005

Jul 2005-Jun 2006

Jan 2006-Dec 2006

Jul 2006-Jun 2007

Jan 2007-Dec 2007

Jul 2007-Jun 2008

Jan 2008-Dec 2008

Jul 2008-Jun 2009

Jan 2009-Dec 2009

Perc

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Page 134


Relatively Low Unemployment Levels in RBWM; High in Slough....

6.82 Unemployment is a key indicator in assessing the relative vitality of a local labour market.

There are two measures of unemployment that are commonly used:

International Labour Organisation Unemployment (ILO) – This measures all those

people who want to work, are available to work, and who are actively seeking

employment. The ILO unemployment rate is based upon the Annual Population

Survey and includes a larger number of individuals than the claimant count.

The Claimant Count – this only measures those people who are claiming

unemployment related benefits. It does not include all unemployed people, as some

of those unemployed may not be able to claim benefits or chose not to do so. The

measure is based on records from Jobcentre Plus.

ILO Unemployment Rate

6.83 The ILO unemployment rate in East Berkshire stands at 6.9% (around 9,500 people in

absolute terms) – above that of the South East, but below that of Great Britain. In recent

years, the number of unemployed people has risen by 3,900 – a 69.6% increase in absolute

terms. This represents a 2.6 percentage point increase in unemployment rate since 2004

(slightly below the regional average).

Slough – The unemployment rate stands at 8.7% (5,400 people) – higher than all

comparator geographies apart from Hounslow. The number of unemployed people

has risen by 2,100 since 2004 – a 64% increase in absolute terms. This represents a

3.4 percentage point increase in unemployment rate since 2004 (above regional and

national average).

RBWM – Here the unemployment rate stands at 5.5% (1,800 people) – lower than all

comparator geographies. The number of unemployed people has risen by 1,800

since 2004 – a 78.3% increase in absolute terms. This represents a 2.2 percentage

point increase in unemployment rate since 2004 (below regional and national

21.1

25.6

36.9

12.9

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

Jan 2004-Dec 2004

Jul 2004-Jun 2005

Jan 2005-Dec 2005

Jul 2005-Jun 2006

Jan 2006-Dec 2006

Jul 2006-Jun 2007

Jan 2007-Dec 2007

Jul 2007-Jun 2008

Jan 2008-Dec 2008

Jul 2008-Jun 2009

Jan 2009-Dec 2009

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Page 135

average).

Figure 6‐36: Summary of Unemployment

Number % Absolute Change Number

Absolute Change (%)

% Point Change

Slough 5,400 8.7 2,100 63.6 3.4

Windsor and Maidenhead 4,100 5.5 1,800 78.3 2.2

Hillingdon 11,200 8.2 6,100 119.6 4.1

Hounslow 10,900 9.0 1,700 18.5 0.7

Reading 5,800 7.2 1,900 48.7 2.2

Wycombe 6,700 8.2 3,700 123.3 4.6

East Berkshire 9,500 6.9 3,900 69.6 2.6


South East 271,700 6.4 119,000 77.9 2.7

Great Britain 2,372,600 8.0 1,009,900 74.1 3.2


6.84 The key characteristics of those unemployed are summarised below:

Gender – across East Berks (as with most comparator geographies), unemployment

rates are higher for males than they are for females. In RBWM, there is a relatively

large disparity between the rates for males and females of 3 percentage points.

Age Cohorts – Across all comparator geographies, unemployment is highest amongst

the 16‐24 cohort – in East Berkshire, the rate for this group stands at 18.3%. Within

East Berks, the rate for this group is highest in Slough, where it stands at 20.2% ‐

three percentage points above regional average

Ethnic Origin – across East Berkshire, unemployment rates are highest amongst the

ethnic minority UK national and ethnic minority not UK national groups. In Slough

the unemployment rate is particularly low for the white not UK national group –

perhaps reflecting trends amongst migrant worker groups discussed previously


Page 136

Figure 6‐37: Unemployment Rate, 2009 – By Gender (top), By Cohort (middle) and By Ethnic Origin (bottom)

Note: due to the small absolute numbers involved, data has been excluded where confidence levels are low


8.7

5.5

8.2

9.0

7.2

8.2

6.9

6.16.4

8.0

9.4

6.9

6.2

9.3

6.9

9.1

8.1

6.87.2

9.0

7.6

3.9

10.3

8.7

7.57.2

5.5 5.3 5.4

6.8

0

2

4

6

8

10

12


Hillingdon Hounslow Reading Wycombe East Berkshire

Thames Valley LEP


Percentage

Unemployment rate ‐ aged 16‐64 Unemployment rate males ‐ aged 16‐64 Unemployment rate females ‐ aged 16‐64

20.2

16.117.8

19.9

9.2

30.2

18.3

14.1

17.2

19.8

6.4

4.1

6.77.5

6.7

4.6 5.2 4.7 4.6

6.46.0

3.3

5.47.1 7.2

0.0

4.3 5.04.2 4.6

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35



Thames Valley LEP


Percentage

Unemployment rate ‐ aged 16‐24 Unemployment rate ‐ aged 25‐49 Unemployment rate ‐ aged 50‐64

6.85.7

6.2

4.4

5.9 6.2 6.05.4

6.1

7.3

4.0

10.2

2.0

5.74.9

6.5

11.3

7.1

11.3

8.0

9.3

22.4

10.6 10.4 10.5

13.1

10.6

13.8

23.1

8.5

10.7

9.3

6.4

13.7

0

5

10

15

20

25



Thames Valley LEP


Percetage

Unemployment rate ‐ aged 16+ white UK national Unemployment rate ‐ aged 16+ white not UK national

Unemployment rate ‐ aged 16+ ethnic minority UK national Unemployment rate ‐ aged 16+ ethnic minority not UK national


Page 137

6.85 As would be expected given the challenging economic context of recent years,

unemployment rates have risen in recent years – as highlighted by the charts blow. The

charts highlight that across East Berkshire unemployment remains highest amongst the 16‐

24 age group and this group has seen a larger than average increase in unemployment in

recent years.

Figure 6‐38: Change in Unemployment Rate 2004‐2009 – Slough (top), RBWM (middle) and East berks (bottom)

20.2

6.4

9.47.6

0

5

10

15

20

25

Apr 2004-Mar 2005 Apr 2005-Mar 2006 Apr 2006-Mar 2007 Apr 2007-Mar 2008 Apr 2008-Mar 2009 Apr 2009-Mar 2010

Perc

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Unemployment rate - aged 16-64 Unemployment rate - aged 50-64 Unemployment rate - aged 16-24

Unemployment rate - aged 25-49 Unemployment rate males - aged 16-64 Unemployment rate females - aged 16-64

5.5

3.3

16.1

6.9

3.9

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2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18


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Page 138


Claimant Count Unemployment

6.86 In October 2010, East Berkshire’s claimant count rate stood at 2.7% (4,800 people in

absolute terms) – above the regional average but below the national average. Since 2004,

the number of claimants has increased by around 1,400 people (40%) and by 0.6 percentage

points – below regional and national averages. Within East Berkshire, these exists

considerable disparity:

Local Authority Area – the claimant count rates of Slough and RBWM stand at 3.6%

(3,200 claimants) and 1.8% (1,700 claimants) respectively. Whilst Slough stands

above all comparator geographies in this respect, the performance of RBWM

amongst the strongest in sub region. In recent years, Slough and RBWM have seen

absolute increases in claimant count rate of 47% and 29%. This has resulted in a

claimant count increase of 0.9 percentage points in Slough

Town Centre – Claimant count rates in Maidenhead, Slough TC and Windsor and

Eton are 2.7%, 5% and 1% respectively – highlighting a large degree in disparity in

performance. Again Slough TC stands above all comparator geographies in this

respect, whilst the performance of Windsor and Eton is the strongest in sub region.

In recent year, claimant count rate has increased most in Maidenhead – by 2.4

percentage points.

Figure 6‐39: Claimant Count Rate Summary

2010 Change 2004‐2010

Number % Absolute Change (no.)

Absolute Change (%)

% Point Change

Town Centres (ward definitions)

Maidenhead Wards 410 2.7 139 51.3 2.4

Slough Wards 936 5.0 244 35.3 0.5

Windsor and Eton Wards 73 1.0 ‐8 ‐9.9 0.8

Basingstoke Wards 148 4.3 92 164.3 0.8

High Wycombe Wards 175 2.7 34 24.1 1.6

Hounslow Wards 286 2.7 113 65.3 1.3

Reading Wards 374 4.8 150 67.0 0.8

6.9

4.3

18.3

8.1

5.5

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20


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Page 139

Uxbridge Wards 477 2.9 142 42.4 ‐0.2

Local Authorities

Slough 3,156 3.6 1,012 47.2 0.9

Windsor and Maidenhead 1,656 1.8 371 28.9 0.3

Hillingdon 5,257 3.0 1,537 41.3 0.7

Hounslow 4,988 3.0 1,584 46.5 0.8

Reading 3,590 3.4 1,438 66.8 1.2

South Bucks 605 1.5 184 43.7 0.4

Spelthorne 1,252 2.1 527 72.7 0.8

Wycombe 2,363 2.3 474 25.1 0.5

Wider Geographies

East Berkshire 4,812 2.7 1,383 40.3 0.6


South East 127,424 2.4 46,742 57.9 0.8

Great Britain 1,359,282 3.5 435,624 47.2 1.0

Source: NOMIS Claimant Count © Crown Copyright

6.87 The charts below highlight in more detail changes affecting claimant count rates across the

geographies in recent years. The charts highlight the large rises in claimant count rates seen

in 2008 due to the economic context and also highlight the disparity between male and

female claimant count rates (which is especially high in Slough TC):

Figure 6‐40: Claimant Count Rate, 2004‐2010 – All People (top), Males (middle) and Females (bottom)

5.0

1.0

3.6

1.8

2.72.4

3.5

0

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4

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6

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2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Clai

man

t Cou

nt R

ate

(%)

Town Centres Maidenhead Wards Town Centres Slough Wards Town Centres Windsor and Eton Wards

Local Authorities Slough Local Authorities Windsor and Maidenhead Wider Geographies East Berkshire

Wider Geographies Thames Valley LEP Wider Geographies South East Wider Geographies Great Britain

4.1

6.6

1.1

2.4

3.53.2

4.9

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

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2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Mal

e Cl

aim

ant

Coun

t Ra

te (

%)

Town Centres Maidenhead Wards Town Centres Slough Wards Town Centres Windsor and Eton Wards

Local Authorities Slough Local Authorities Windsor and Maidenhead Wider Geographies East BerkshireWider Geographies Thames Valley LEP Wider Geographies South East Wider Geographies Great Britain


Page 140

Source: NOMIS Claimant Count © Crown Copyright

Rates of Benefits Claimants Higher in Slough than RBWM...

6.88 In addition to Job Seekers Allowance (which forms the Claimant Count Rate), other data on

benefits claimants can be explored to help explain the reasons for economic inactivity and

the characteristics of worklessness.

6.89 As highlighted by the table below, there are around 7,500 ESA and incapacity benefit

claimants in East Berkshire. Although the number of people claiming these benefits has

increased in East Berkshire in recent years, the rate has remained relatively static. As a result

the total number of claimants (including JSA claimants) in East Berkshire is around 18,600 – a

rate of 10.4% which is close to the regional average.

Local Authorities – in Slough there are around 4,900 people claiming SDA /

incapacity benefits (a rate of 5.6%). The rate in RBWM is relatively low at 2.9% (with

around 2,700 people claiming these benefits).

Town Centres – the SDA / incapacity benefits claimant rates in Maidenhead, Slough

TC and Windsor and Eton are 3.7%, 6.2% and 1.7% respectively. The high rate in

Slough TC amounts to around 1,200 people in real terms.

Figure 6‐41: Summary of Benefits Claimants

Town Centres (ward definitions) Boroughs Wider Geographies

Maidenhead Slough Windsorand Eton

Slough Windsor andMaidenhead

EastBerkshire

Thames Valley LEP

SouthEast

GreatBritain

ESA and incapacity benefits group

Number 555 1,170 125 4,850 2,670 7,520 20,710 248,810 2,602,680

% 3.7 6.2 1.7 5.6 2.9 4.2 3.6 4.6 6.7

Change 2004‐10

80 85 0 520 160 680 1,580 13,060 ‐158,250

Change 2004‐10 (%)

16.8 7.8 0.0 12.0 6.4 9.9 8.3 5.5 ‐5.7

% Point Change 0.4 0.4 ‐0.2 0.2 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 ‐0.7

Total Claimants (including

Number 1,410 3,025 290 11,900 6,670 18,570 51,880 576,090 5,731,460

% 9.4 16.0 4.0 13.7 7.2 10.4 9.1 10.7 14.7

Change 230 520 5 1,970 760 2,730 8,830 91,450 426,420

3.1

0.9

2.5

1.2

1.8

1.5

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1.5

2

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3

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ecem

ber

Janu

ary

Febr

uary

Mar

chAp

rilM

ayJu

ne Jul y

Augu

stSe

ptem

ber

Oct

ober

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Fem

ale

Clai

man

t Co

unt

Rate

(%

)

Town Centres Maidenhead Wards Town Centres Slough Wards Town Centres Windsor and Eton WardsLocal Authorities Slough Local Authorities Windsor and Maidenhead Wider Geographies East BerkshireWider Geographies Thames Valley LEP Wider Geographies South East Wider Geographies Great Britain


Page 141

JSA) 2004‐10 (No.)

Change 2004‐10 (%)

19.5 20.8 1.8 19.8 12.9 17.2 20.5 18.9 8.0

% Point Change 1.2 2.5 ‐0.2 1.2 0.4 0.9 1.0 1.4 0.6

Source: DWP Benefits © Crown Copyright

6.90 The charts below consider the characteristics of claimants in more detail:

Statistical Group – whilst the spread of East Berkshire claimants across the various

statistical claimant groups is broadly similar to regional averages, it is noticeable that

the area has a slightly higher proportion of claimants in the lone parent group. At a

more local level, this characteristic is explained by a higher than average proportion

of this group in Slough Borough (and town centre).

Duration of claimants – in East Berkshire there is a lower proportion of long term

(over two years) claimants than is average across the South East and a higher than

average proportion of people who have been claiming less than a year. This trend is

true in both Slough and RBWM. Despite this, around 50% of claimants have been

claiming over 2 years – a significant proportion given the challenges associated with

getting these groups back into work.

Age of claimant – The age profile of East Berkshire claimants is broadly similar to the

regional average and there is limited variation within East Berkshire in this respect.

Just fewer than 50% of East Berkshire’s claimants are between the ages of 35 and

54.


Page 142

Figure 6‐42: Benefits Claimants 2010 – By Statistical Group (top), By Duration (middle) and By Cohort (bottom)

Source: DWP Benefits © Crown Copyright

30% 30%22% 26% 27% 26% 26% 23% 24%

39% 39%43% 41% 40% 40% 40% 43% 45%

10% 15%10%

16% 11% 14% 14% 13% 12%

8%6%

7%6%

7%7% 7% 8% 8%

2%5%

5%4%

3%4% 3% 3% 3%

7%4%

9%5%

9% 6% 7% 8% 7%3% 1% 3% 2% 3% 2% 2% 2% 1%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Mai

denh

ead

War

ds

Slou

gh W

ards

Win

dsor

and

Eto

n W

ards

Slou

gh

Win

dsor

and

Mai

denh

ead

East

Ber

kshi

re

Tham

es V

alle

y LE

P

Sout

h Ea

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Gre

at B

ritai

n

Town Centres Local Authorities Wider Geographies

Perc

enta

ge

statistical group - job seekers statistical group - ESA and incapacity benefits statistical group - lone parentsstatistical group - carers statistical group - others on income related benefits statistical group - disabledstatistical group - bereaved statistical group - unknown

25% 25% 24% 25% 25% 24% 23% 25% 25% 25% 22% 22%

12% 12% 11% 10% 12% 10% 11%12% 12% 12%

11% 11%

13% 12% 12% 9%14%

12% 13% 12% 12% 13%13% 12%

18% 17% 17% 17%

16%17%

18% 15% 17% 16%17% 16%

33% 34% 37% 39%33% 37% 34% 36% 34% 35% 38% 40%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Slou

gh

Win

dsor

and

Mai

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Hill

ingd

on

Hou

nslo

w

Read

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Sout

h Bu

cks

Spel

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ne

Wyc

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East

Ber

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Tham

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P

Sout

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Gre

at B

ritai

n


Perc

enta

ge

up to 6 months 6 months up to 1 year 1 year and up to 2 years 2 years and up to 5 years 5 years and over

15% 14% 17% 15% 14% 15% 12% 16% 15% 16% 14% 15%

21% 21%22%

22% 16% 18% 19%20% 18% 18% 21% 20%

24% 23%24%

23%

23% 23% 22%22% 22% 23% 23% 23%

23% 24%22%

22%24%

25% 25%23% 24% 23% 23% 23%

11% 12% 9% 12%14% 12% 13%

12% 12% 12% 12% 11%

6% 6% 6% 6% 9% 8% 8% 6% 8% 8% 7% 7%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Slou

gh

Win

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and

Mai

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ead

Hill

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on

Hou

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w

Read

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Sout

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cks

Spel

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Wyc

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East

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Perc

enta

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aged under 25 aged 25-34 aged 35-44 aged 45-54 aged 55-59 aged 60-64


Page 143

Pockets of Relative Multiple Deprivation relating to Employment in Slough....

6.91 The Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) provides a spatial summary of the performance of

local areas in terms of employment and worklessness.

6.92 The Employment IMD domain is mapped below, with the darker colours representing the

more deprived localities in relation to localities across the country. The map highlights

overall higher levels of deprivation relating to employment within Slough, with particular

concentrations of deprivation to the north and west of the Borough (in the Britwell and

Chalvey areas).

6.93 Again, it is important to note that whilst overall levels of relative multiple deprivation appear

low across RBWM, there are pockets where deprivation levels are relatively higher

(especially around Maidenhead) – it is important that these pockets and the issues behind

them are not ignored in the face of more positive Borough wide averages

Figure 6‐43: Indices of Multiple Deprivation: Deprivation related to Employment

Indicators Used: Recipients of Jobseekers Allowance (both contribution‐based and income‐based): men aged 18‐64 and women 18‐59; Recipients of Incapacity Benefit (both contribution‐based and income‐based): men aged 18‐64 and women 18‐59; Recipients of Severe Disablement Allowance (both contribution‐based and income‐based): men aged 18‐64 and women 18‐59; Participants in the New Deal for 18‐24s who are not in receipt of JSA; Participants in the New Deal for 25+ who are not in receipt of JSA; Participants in the New Deal for Lone Parents (after initial interview).

Source: IMD from CLG; Digital Mapping Solutions from Dotted Eyes. © Crown Copyright 2006. All Rights Reserved. Licence number 1000199918


Page 144

Worklessness in Slough The local jobs density of just less than 1 highlights that there are nearly as many jobs in the Borough as there are working age residents. However, the analysis above highlights the high rates of worklessness amongst Slough – despite the local presence of a significant pool of employment. When considering and trying to understand this imbalance, there are a number of important interrelated demographic and labour market factors to take into account:

Economic inactivity rates are particularly high amongst females in Slough. Anecdotal evidence

suggests that this partly reflects the diverse ethnic makeup of the local area – with rates of

female inactivity very high amongst certain ethnic groups. This trend is thought to partly reflect

varying cultural characteristics and the local presence of relatively conservative communities

Economic inactivity rates – both male and female – also reflect the skills challenges and the

suitability of jobs available in the local area. As discussed there is a large gap between the

resident and workplace skills profiles of Slough, which impacts upon the ability of local residents

to work in the local area

Linked to the above, there are also a relatively lack of part time jobs available in the local area.

This means that those groups who wish to work part time – often residents in older age groups or

females – need to travel further afield to do so, something which may not be possible.

Clearly, worklessness and the various interrelated issues and dependencies relating to it are hugely important in the local area, impacting both upon the local economy and local social characteristics. Understanding and tracking the key issues – and how they relate to different groups and communities – will continue to represent a hugely important challenge going forward.

Travel to Work Patterns

6.94 Analysis of travel to work provides a deep insight into dynamics affecting local labour market

and hence the functionality of local economies.

6.95 Although now relatively dated, information from the 2001 Census provides the most

comprehensive coverage of travel to work patterns.

Daily Net Inflows of Commuters to East Berkshire and from RBWM to Slough....

6.96 The table below provides an overall summary of average distance travelled to work by place

of residence. East Berkshire does not vary significantly from the South East average in this

respect, with around 40% of residents travelling less than 5 km to work and around 14% of

residents working from home. Within East Berkshire there is a disparity between the

proportion of people who work from home – in Slough the figure is 12%, compared to

RBWM. This is likely to be explained by the more rural nature of RBWM and by the higher

levels of self employment in the Borough.

6.97 As would be expected given the physical characteristics of East Berkshire, the primary mode

of travel to work is the car.


Page 145

Figure 6‐44: Travel to Work – Average Distance Travelled (top) and Mode of Transport (bottom)

Source: ONS Census 2001

6.98 There is a daily net inflow of commuters to all East Berkshire geographies. The key travel to

work trends for East Berkshire are summarised below:

There is a daily net inflow of commuters to East Berkshire of around 16,400.

There is a daily net inflow of commuters to Slough of around 13,800

The daily net inflow of commuters to RBWM is smaller – around 2,500

Within East Berkshire, there is an overall net daily movement of commuters from

Slough to RBWM of around 1,000

23%18% 21% 20% 20% 20%

23%16%

19% 20% 18% 20%

17%

16%

16% 16%15%

18%

14%

17%

16% 14%14%

15%

6%

6%6% 7%

7%

5%

12%16% 14% 14% 15% 14%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%


East Berkshire Thames Valley LEP South East England


Perc

enta

ge

Less than 2km 2km to less than 5km 5km to less than 10km 10km to less than 20km 20km to less than 30km

30km to less than 40km 40km to less than 60km 60km and over Other

8%12% 11% 10% 10% 10% 10%

5%6% 4% 6% 5% 6%

5%

64%

63% 67% 63% 64% 62% 59%

7%4% 5%

6% 5% 6% 7%

11% 9% 9% 10% 10% 10% 11%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%


Wycombe East Berkshire Thames Valley LEP South East England


Perc

enta

ge

Work mainly at or from home Underground, metro, light rail, tram Train Motor cycle, scooter or moped Driving a car or van Passenger in a car or van Taxi or minicab Bicycle On foot Other


Page 146

Figure 6‐45: Summary of East Berkshire Commuting Flows

Area In Commuters Out Commuters Net Flows

Internal Slough (from / to Windsor) 6,324 5324 1,000

External Slough 39,602 25,834 13,768

RBWM 35,249 32,750 2,499

East Berkshire 63,175 46,798 16,377


6.99 The two tables below set out the mains origins and destinations of commuters moving into

and out of East Berkshire.

Figure 6‐46: Commuting Flows – Top Workplace Destinations

Area of Residence: Slough Area of Residence: RBWM Area of Residence: East Berkshire

Top Ten Workplace No. Top Ten Workplace No. Top Ten Workplace No.

Slough 32,381 RBWM 35,033 RBWM 40,357

Hillingdon 5,555 Slough 6,324 Slough 38,705

Windsor and Maidenhead 5,324 Hillingdon 4,008 Hillingdon 9,563

South Bucks 3,196 Bracknell Forest 2,375 South Bucks 4,808

Hounslow 1,589 Wycombe 2,302 Wycombe 3,132

Wycombe 830 South Bucks 1,612 Bracknell Forest 3,061

Westminster 750 Westminster 1,544 Hounslow 2,880

Ealing 703 Wokingham 1,421 Westminster 2,294

Bracknell Forest 686 Runnymede 1,321 Wokingham 1,989

Reading 670 Hounslow 1,291 Runnymede 1,940

Total 58,215 Total 67,783 Total 125,860


6.100 These commuting flows are illustrated graphically below:

Areas in blue – those areas from where there is a daily net flow of commuters into

East Berkshire. In the mains, these areas are typically those which directly neighbour

East Berkshire (with the exception of Hillingdon and Runnymede).

Figure 6‐47: Commuting Flows – Top Residence Origins

Area of Work: Slough Area of Work: RBWM Area of Residence: Work

Top Ten Residence No. Top Ten Residence No. Top Ten Residence No.

Slough 32,381 RBWM 35,033 RBWM 41,357

Windsor and Maidenhead 6,324 Slough 5,324 Slough 37,705

South Bucks 4,278 Bracknell Forest 4,578 Bracknell Forest 6,348

Hillingdon 2,651 Wokingham 3,292 South Bucks 6,026

Wycombe 2,167 Wycombe 3,145 Wycombe 5,312

Wokingham 1,836 South Bucks 1,748 Wokingham 5,128

Bracknell Forest 1,770 Reading 1,206 Hillingdon 3,359

Hounslow 1,589 Surrey Heath 956 Ealing 2,283

Ealing 1,578 Runnymede 876 Hounslow 2,135

Spelthorne 1,458 South Oxfordshire 799 Reading 2,109

Total 71,983 Total 70,282 Total 142,237



Page 147

Areas in orange / red – those areas which receive a daily net flow of commuters

from East Berkshire. These areas include Hillingdon (as a result of East Berkshire

residents who work at Heathrow), Hounslow and central London Boroughs.

Figure 6‐48: Commuting Patterns


6.101 One of the key characteristics of the East Berkshire labour market is the apparent disparity

between the skills held by residents in Slough and the jobs on offer in the Borough. This

characteristic is emphasised by the travel to work data – a relatively high proportion of

Slough out commuters are classified as having lower level skills, whilst a higher than average

proportion of those commuting into the Borough are classified as having higher level skills.

6.102 In RBWM, over 50% of both in‐commuters and out commuters are classified as having higher

level skills – reflecting the highly skilled nature of both local residents and jobs on offer

locally.


Page 148

Figure 6‐49: Commuting Flows – By Occupation type

NOTE: Occupation groups complied from SOC Codes – Higher Skilled incorporates higher managerial occupations, Higher professional occupations and Lower managerial and professional occupations; Intermediate Skills incorporates Intermediate occupations, Small employers and own account workers, and Lower supervisory and technical occupations; Lower Skilled Occupations incorporates Semi Routine and Routine Occupations. Other incorporates Never Worked, Students and Not Classified for Other Reasons


Linkages and Dynamics Underpinning East Berkshire’s Labour Market

6.103 Analysis of labour market indicators highlights the importance that a variety of geographical

linkages and dependencies play in the functioning of the local area.

6.104 At its very core, the East Berkshire economy is underpinned by significant travel to work

movements – existing both internally within East Berkshire, but also transcending the areas

boundaries. The strength of the local economy is built upon the availability of highly skilled

labour. In total East Berkshire and its neighbouring local authorities provides a labour pool of

over half a million economically active residents and over quarter of a million working age

residents qualified to degree level or higher. The willingness of residents to travel to work

(combined with quality of life factors discussed later) and the demand for suitable

employees means that in practice, local authority boundaries are largely disregarded by


6.105 The dependencies which exist within East Berkshire are best illustrated through

consideration of Slough. Slough’s strong local economy is dependent upon the supply of

highly skilled labour from surrounding local authority areas. Without the presence of this,

the area would struggle to retain and attract investment. However, it is also important to

note that the areas providing the highly skilled labour – areas such as RBWM – are currently

dependent upon Slough to provide suitable jobs for their residents. In the absence of these,

highly skilled and mobile residents would move elsewhere. It is a two way dependency. On

the flip side, a high number of lower skilled Slough residents commute out of the Borough to

work – to locations such as Heathrow. As such, the future wellbeing of Slough and its

residents is dependent upon the continuing provision of jobs in other areas.

39%49% 53% 50% 46% 49%

34%

28%29% 30%

31%29%

26% 20% 15% 17% 20% 19%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Out

Com

mut

ers

In C

omm

uter

s

Out

Com

mut

ers

In C

omm

uter

s

Out

Com

mut

ers

In C

omm

uter

s

Slough RBWM East Berkshire

Perc

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ge

Higher Skilled Intermediate Skills Lower Skills Other


Page 149

6.106 In addition to the dependencies created by travel to work movements, a number of other

dynamics are important to consider in relation to East Berkshire’s labour market. Most

significantly, in recent years the area – and particularly Slough – has been subject to high

levels of in‐migration and population transience. These flows – typically less local than those

described above – have become hugely influential on the economic and social characteristics

of the local area. It is important that

6.107 Where possible local trends in population are tracked and the impact of change on the local

area understood. It is important to consider – for example – the local economic impact of

migrants leaving the area and retuning home. It is also important to understand the

characteristics and needs of emerging communities.

6.108 As indicated throughout, it is important to note that the labour market indicators discussed

above are not the only factors underpinning economic flows and linkages. Numerous other

factors – including quality of life, physical infrastructure (including transport) and

environment factors – are inter‐related and combine to create the dependencies and

linkages discussed above. These other factors are considered in the next two chapters.


Page 150

7. Social Inclusion and Quality of Life in East Berkshire

7.1 Although somewhat intangible, Quality of Life is closely linked to economic performance.

Amongst other things, a high quality of life in a particular area has the potential to attract a

highly skilled workforce and interest from investors. As a result, an area with a higher quality

of life is likely to perform better economically than an area with a lower quality of life. Of

course, quality of life is not just important economically – it is of fundamental importance to

social wellbeing.

7.2 There is no set measure of Quality of Life. However, a picture of the Quality of Life in a

specific location can be built up by examining a number of different indicators. In this case

the following indicators have been considered:

Deprivation

Earnings

Health

Crime

Participation in Sports, Culture and Arts

Open Space

Social Inclusion of Quality of Life in East Berkshire: Headline Characteristics

Analysis of a variety of quality of life indicators suggests that – as with the labour market – there

is disparity in performance between Slough and RBWM. In RBWM, quality of life is generally

perceived to be strong. In Slough, quality of life levels are seen to be lower partly reflecting the

labour market characteristics described previously.

Pockets of deprivation exist in Slough – particularly in the Chalvey, Britwell and Foxborough

areas of the Borough and particularly in relation to employment, income and crime.

Concentrations of relative multiple deprivation are fewer and generally less severe in RBWM.

In Slough, average earnings for residents are significantly below those seen in comparator areas

and are below the regional average. Reflecting the labour market trend described previously,

earnings are higher for people working in Slough. Earnings are generally high in RBWM – both for

workers and residents.

In Slough, local crime rates remain above those seen in comparator areas, and there is an even

strong perception / fear of crime amongst local residents. Crime rates are typically lower in

RBWM.

The local housing market is a particular issue across East Berkshire. In Slough, there is a relatively

low quality housing stock and high levels of household overcrowding and HMOs. Reflecting a


Page 151

combination of these indicators, house prices in Slough remain significantly below those seen in

neighbouring areas and across the region. In RBWM, there is an overall high quality housing

stock but levels of affordability are low. The potential for housing market growth is problematic

across East Berkshire – an issue considered in the next chapter.

Despite the overall disparity in performance between the two Boroughs, it is important that the

two areas are not viewed as separate entities. Quality of life indicators underpin the labour

market and economic characteristics especially in terms of where people live and work and

where businesses locate.

Deprivation

7.3 The level of deprivation in a community is an important indicator in analysing local

socioeconomic conditions. Analysis of deprivation is important in efforts to identify and

understand specific problems that may exist within local communities. Aside from obvious

social implications, deprivation also plays an important role in local economic performance,

bearing an important influence on the labour market ‐ both through potential to attract high

quality residents, and the ability to retain and up‐skill those currently in residence

7.4 In this section, overall deprivation trends are considered through use of the Indices of

Multiple Deprivation, before specific consideration is given to the occurrence of child

poverty.

Concentrations of Relative Multiple Deprivation Typically More Severe in Slough...

7.5 Overall levels of relative multiple deprivation in East Berkshire are mapped below. The map

highlights a number of key points:

Whilst overall levels of relative multiple deprivation across East Berkshire are low, there is a clear divide within the area between the characteristics of Slough and

RBWM.

The highest concentrations of deprivation in East Berkshire are found in Slough.

Here, as highlighted by the darker shading, several localities are classified as being in

the 10% most deprived localities nationally. These areas include localities within the

Chalvey, Britwell, and Colnbrook areas.

Levels of relative multiple deprivation in RBWM are lower. Relatively speaking, areas

around Maidenhead and in the Clewer part of Windsor be characterised by higher

levels of deprivation than is average across the Borough.


Page 152

Figure 7‐1: Indices of Multiple Deprivation – Overall Levels of Deprivation in East Berkshire

Source: IMD from CLG; Digital Mapping Solutions from Dotted Eyes. © Crown Copyright 2006. All Rights Reserved. Licence number 1000199918.

7.6 The causes of the deprivation described above can be analysed by drilling down into

deprivation domains – indicators which measure levels of deprivation according to separate

social and community factors. The seven individual deprivation domains have been

presented and referred to where appropriate throughout this report. The key points are

summarised below:

The maps highlight that across East Berkshire, the most severe concentrations of

deprivation are found in relation to crime and housing. The former of these

categories is concentrated in town centres, whilst the latter category is found

throughout urban and rural areas. This reflects the fact that the domain includes

indicators on both overcrowding and housing affordability.

With the exception of the housing deprivation domain, concentrations of relative

multiple deprivation are more widespread throughout Slough than RBWM. Areas

most affected in Slough include localities within the Chalvey and Britwell wards.

With the exception of crime and housing (described above), the most severe

concentrations of relative multiple deprivation in these areas are in relation to

income and living environment.

Poverty Affecting Young People More Concentrated in Slough than RBWM...

7.7 Entitlement to free school meals is acknowledged to provide an indication of levels of child

poverty in an area. There is disparity within East Berkshire in this respect:

In Slough, pupil entitlement to free school meals is relatively high – 15.6% at primary


Page 153

school level and 13.8% at secondary school level. The regional average is 8.1% and

8.6% respectively.

In contrast, in RBWM, entitlement to free school meals is relatively low – 8.1% at

primary school level and 6% at secondary school level

Figure 7‐2: Pupil Entitlement to Free School Meals


Income and Earnings

Relatively High Earning Levels for RBWM Residents and Slough Workers; Low Earning for Slough Residents...

7.8 There is a large degree of variation between earnings for different groups in East Berkshire.

Not only is there disparity between the earnings of those living in RBWM and Slough, there

is also disparity between earnings of those who live and those who work in the area. The key

points are summarised below:

People working in Slough earn on average £89 per week more than those living in

Slough, £35 per week less than those working in RBWM, and £71 and £94 per week

more than those working in the South East and Great Britain respectively.

People living in Slough earn on average £180 per week less than those living in

RBWM, £42 per week less than those living in the South East, but £4 per week more

than those living across Great Britain.

Please working in Winsor and Maidenhead earn on average £55 per week less than

those living in Windsor and Maidenhead, but £106 and £130 per week more than

those working in the South East and Great Britain respectively.

People living in RBWM earn on average £138 and £184 per week more than those

living across South East and Great Britain respectively.

15.6

8.1

19.7

13.4

17.8

8.1

11.5

17.3

13.8

6.0

18.9

15.814.8

6.1

8.6

14.2

0

5

10

15

20

25

Slough

RBWM

Hounslow

Hillingdon

Reading

West Berkshire

South East

England

Slough

RBWM

Hounslow

Hillingdon

Reading

West Berkshire

South East

England

Maintained nursery and primary schools State‐funded secondary schools

% Pupils Eligible for Free School M

eals


Page 154

7.9 These trends are illustrated in the charts below.

Figure 7‐3: Median Weekly Earning – Full Time Workers (Top) and Part Time Workers (Bottom)

NOTE: Data not available where bars are missing

Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings

7.10 Whilst average earnings amongst Slough residents are relatively low, there has been

improvement in recent years. Average earnings for residents working full time have

increased by 30% since 2002 – a higher rate than all comparator geographies. RBWM has

also performed strongly in this respect, resident earnings having increased by 29%. Earnings

for Slough residents who are part time workers have also increased at a rate higher than

regional and national average.

7.11 Since 2002, RBWM has also seen strong performance in terms of earnings for people

working full time in the Borough. There has been a rate of increase of 29% ‐ higher than the

rate seen across all comparator areas. In Slough there has been an increase of 23% ‐ again

slightly above the regional average (although lower than many of the other benchmark

areas).

£495

£675

£540 £537 £560

£625 £608 £608

£537

£491

£584 £620 £606 £591

£552

£610

£568 £574

£514 £490

£‐

£100

£200

£300

£400

£500

£600

£700


Hillingdon Hounslow Reading South Bucks Spelthorne Wycombe South East Great Britain


Median £ Earned per W

eek by Full Time W

orkers

Resident Analysis Workplace Analysis

£147

£-

£165 £151 £146

£-

£185

£161 £155 £153

£144

£120

£238

£143

£178

£-

£156

£138 £150 £153

£‐

£50

£100

£150

£200

£250




Meidian £ Earned per Week by Part Time W

orkers



Page 155

Figure 7‐4: % Change in Median Weekly Earning 2002‐9 – Full Time Workers (Top) and Part Time Workers (Bottom)


7.12 In considering reasons for the disparity between earnings for Slough residents and RBWM

residents (and indeed Slough residents and workers) it is useful to note variations in earnings

between different industrial sectors.

7.13 As would be expected, the chart below highlights that ‘higher value added’ sectors which are

perceived to require higher skills levels typically indicate earnings levels above the regional

average. Conversely, those sectors which are perceived to be lower value added and require

lower skills levels are characterised by earnings levels below the regional average.

7.14 When considered in tandem with the labour market characteristics described earlier, these

trends provide a clear illustration of the challenges facing the Slough labour market.

30%29%

20%

17%

24%25%

15%

19%

23%25%

23%

29%28%

22%20%

27%

0%

21%22%

25%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%




% Change

inMedian Weekly Earnings for Full Time

Workers 2002‐9


33%

11%

48%

32% 33%

24%

31%

25%

4%

46%

19%

28%

15%

24%

31%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%




% Change

inMedian W

eekly Earnings for Partl Time

Workers 2002‐9



Page 156

Figure 7‐5: Median Weekly Earning by Sector for the South East, 2009

NOTE: This chart presents median weekly earnings for each South East sector as a percentage of average earnings across all South East sectors. Therefore 100% = average, less than 100% = below average and more than 100% greater than average earnings


7.15 The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings does not allow for analysis of income trends at a

sub Borough level. However, an indication of spatial variations in earnings within Slough and

RBWM can be gained through analysis of the IMD Income domain. It is important to note,

however, that the IMD income domain focuses on income (especially in relation to benefits

claimants) rather than the scale of earnings.

7.16 The Income IMD domain is mapped below, with the darker colours representing the more

deprived localities in relation to localities across the country. The map highlights overall

higher levels of deprivation relating to Income within Slough, with particular concentrations

of deprivation in the Chalvey, Britwell and in the Foxborough and Colnbrook areas.

7.17 It is important to note that whilst overall levels of relative multiple deprivation appear low

across RBWM, pockets of deprivation do exist around Maidenhead and in the Clewer area of

Windsor.

85%

124%

148%

127%

126%

79%

111%

46%

169%

121%

97%

129%

82%

120%

91%

80%

70%

93%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120% 140% 160% 180%

Agriculture, Forestry And Fishing

Mining And Quarrying

Manufacturing

Electricity, Gas, Steam And Air Conditioning Supply

Water Supply; Sewerage, Waste Management And Remediation Activities

Construction

Wholesale And Retail Trade; Repair Of Motor Vehicles And Motorcycles

Transportation And Storage

Accommodation And Food Service Activities

Information And Communication

Financial And Insurance Activities

Real Estate Activities

Professional, Scientific And Technical Activities

Administrative And Support Service Activities

Public Administration And Defence; Compulsory Social Security

Education

Human Health And Social Work Activities

Arts, Entertainment And Recreation

Other Service Activities

Index of Earnings by Sector: 100% = Average Gross Weekly Eaning Across All Sectors in the South East


Page 157

Figure 7‐6: Indices of Multiple Deprivation: Deprivation related to Income

Indicators Used: Adults and children in Income Support Households; Adults and children in Income‐Based JSA Households; Adults and children in Pension Credit Households; Adults and children in those Working Tax Credit Households where there are children in receipt of Child Tax Credit whose equalised income (excluding housing benefits) is below 60% of the median before housing costs; Adults and children in those Child Tax Credit Households (who are not eligible for IS, Income – Based JSA, Pension Credit or Working Tax Credit)whose equalised income (excluding housing benefits) is below 60% of the median before housing costs; National Asylum Support Service supported asylum seekers in England in receipt of subsistence support, accommodation support, or both.


Housing and Residential Property

Levels of Housing Overcrowding High in Slough...

7.18 Across East Berkshire, the average proportion of residents to number of dwellings is higher

than regional and national average at 2.5. Within East Berkshire, the rates for Slough and

RBWM are 2.6 and 2.4 respectively.

7.19 Consultation with stakeholders has highlighted that houses in multiple occupation are a

particular issue in Slough – the Borough has the second highest rate nationally after

Newham in this respect. The large number of migrants to the area and the transient nature

of this population are seen as key factors contributing to this trend.


Page 158

Figure 7‐7: Overcrowding – Average People per Dwelling

Source: Based on Dwelling Stock by Council Tax Band and Population Estimates from Neighbourhood Statistics

Low Rates of Housing Stock Growth in RBWM....

7.20 Over the past five years East Berkshire has seen a 4.3% increase in its dwelling stock –

slightly below the South East average. In RBWM the rate is increase has been particularly

low at 3.5%, whilst the rate in Slough has been stronger than average at 5.2%. The relatively

low rate of change in RBWM is likely to reflect to some extent the physical development

constraints that face the Borough – these are considered in more detail in the next chapter.

Figure 7‐8: Dwelling Stock Change 2005‐2010

Source: Dwelling Stock Statistics, CLG

2.0

2.4

2.5

1.8

2.3

1.6

2.6

2.4

2.3

2.4

2.3

2.4

2.5

2.3

2.3

1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.2 2.4 2.6

Maidenhead

Slough

Windsor and Eton

Basingstoke

High Wycombe

Reading

Slough


Reading

South Bucks

Spelthorne

Wycombe

East Berkshire

South East

England

Town Centres

Local Authorities

Wider

Geographies

Average People Per Dwelling

5.2%

3.5%

2.4%

5.4%

5.8%

3.9%

2.2%

3.7%

4.3%

4.5%

4.1%

0% 1% 2% 3% 4% 5% 6%

Slough


Hillingdon

Hounslow

Reading

South Bucks

Spelthorne

Wycombe

East Berkshire

South East

England

Local Authorities

Wider

Geographies

% Change in Dwelling Stock 2005‐2010


Page 159

...and a largely private, high quality dwelling stock in RBWM...

7.21 As highlighted by the chart below, Slough and RBWM vary in terms of the characteristics of

the dwelling stock. In RBWM, 86% of the stock is in private ownership, with the rest in the

hands of registered social landlords. No local authority stock remains. In Slough, a relatively

low proportion of the stock in private ownership (around three quarters), whilst 13% is

retained as local authority stock.

Figure 7‐9: Dwelling Stock by Ownership Type 2010


7.22 Changes in stock ownership over the past decade are set out in the table below and highlight

increasing levels of RSL stock in East Berkshire.

Figure 7‐10: Dwelling Stock by Ownership Type 2010

RSL Stock Local Authority Stock

2010 Stock per 1,000 population

% change 1997‐2010

2010 Stock per 1,000 pop

% Change 1997‐2010

Slough 3,810 30 128% 6,485 51 ‐23%

RBWM 7,677 53 9% 0 0 0%

Hounslow 6,970 30 53% 13,490 58 ‐18%

Hillingdon 6,190 24 108% 10,516 40 ‐16%

Reading 3,979 26 75% 7,094 47 ‐12%

West Berkshire 8,767 57 6% 30 0 ‐75%

South East 310,129 37 67% 181,216 21 ‐37%

England 2,242,657 43 128% 1,785,845 34 ‐47%


7.23 The stock of housing in East Berkshire is reflected in part by the spread of properties by

council tax band. Relative to the regional average, a greater proportion of properties in East

Berkshire are in higher council tax band. However, it is important to note that within East

Berkshire, there is a large disparity between Slough and RBWM in this respect.

In RBWM, less than 50% of properties are in Council Tax Bands A‐D (the regional

average is over 70%). A greater proportion of properties in the top council tax bands

are located in more rural areas – in Windsor and Eton and Maidenhead, around 62%

and 79% of properties respectively are in bands A‐D.

13% 15% 10% 11%5% 8%

8%

13%

8%6% 6%

14%8%

10%

79% 86%78% 82% 83% 86% 86% 82%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Slough RBWM Hounslow Hillingdon Reading West Berkshire

South East England & Wales

Perc

enta

ge o

f All

Dw

ellin

gs

Local Authority (incl. owned by other LAs) Housing association Other public sector Private sector


Page 160

Across Slough nearly 90% of properties are located in Council Tax Bands A‐D. In the

Town Centre, this rate rises to around 96%.

Figure 7‐11: Dwelling Stock by Council Tax Band, 2008

Source: Dwelling Stock by Council Tax Band, Neighbourhood Statistics

Low Levels of Housing Affordability in RBWM, but Higher in Slough...

7.24 The trends set out above are highlighted further by consideration of residential property

prices. There is a large difference between the average price of property in Slough and the

average price of property in RBWM. In the latter area, the average price of residential

property stood at £320,267 in June 2010 – 50% higher than the regional average (£210,128)

and more than double the average price seen nationally (£165,980). In contrast, the average

price of property in Slough is very similar to the national average.

Figure 7‐12: Average House Prices, 1995‐2010

Source: Land Registry

18%

25%

11%

19%

6%

12%

17%

19%

38%

46%

19%

43%

15%

27%

26%

22%

20%

17%

30%

24%

25%

25%

20%

15%

8%

1%

19%

8%

21%

15%

13%

9%

8%

1%

8%

3%

13%

9%

8%

5%

5%

0%

10%

1%

15%

9%

6%

4%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Maidenhead

Slough

Windsor and Eton

Slough


East Berkshire

South East

England

Town Centres

Local

Authorities

Wider G

eographies

Dwelling Stock by Council Tax Band A Dwelling Stock by Council Tax Band B Dwelling Stock by Council Tax Band CDwelling Stock by Council Tax Band D Dwelling Stock by Council Tax BanD E Dwelling Stock by Council Tax Band FDwelling Stock by Council Tax Band G Dwelling Stock by Council Tax Band H Dwelling Stock by Council Tax Band I

£320,267

£282,806

£257,695

£197,032

£224,834£210,128

£165,980

£50,000

£100,000

£150,000

£200,000

£250,000

£300,000

£350,000

Jan-

95

Jan-

96

Jan-

97

Jan-

98

Jan-

99

Jan-

00

Jan-

01

Jan-

02

Jan-

03

Jan-

04

Jan-

05

Jan-

06

Jan-

07

Jan-

08

Jan-

09

Jan-

10

Aver

age

Pric

e (£

)

Slough Windsor and Maidenhead Hounslow Hillingdon Reading West Berkshire South East England & Wales


Page 161

7.25 The trend of rising house process over the past 15 years has been well documented. In

RBWM, however, the proportional increase has been particularly high – around 211% across

all property types. This compares to 193% across the South East. The proportional increase

in Slough (162%) has been closer to the national average rate.

7.26 Levels of housing affordability in RBWM are considerably higher than the regional average.

In Slough, however, affordability is below both the regional and national average.

Figure 7‐13: Average House Prices by Property Type, 1995‐2010

Detached Semi‐Detached

Terraced Maisonette/Flat

All All: % Change 1995‐2010

Housing affordability index

Slough £310,573 £191,521 £168,613 £123,443 £165,993 162% 6.3

RBWM £579,042 £298,527 £270,417 £206,898 £320,267 211% 9.2

Hounslow £530,526 £308,699 £276,650 £240,039 £282,806 225% 9.7

Hillingdon £480,260 £266,784 £232,495 £194,550 £257,695 206% 8.6

Reading £378,228 £212,570 £172,242 £156,383 £197,032 193% 6.7

South East £366,067 £208,128 £164,111 £129,951 £210,128 193% 7.3

England & Wales £259,747 £156,837 £127,394 £155,215 £165,980 167% 6.4

NOTE: Housing affordability index is a ratio of median house prices against median gross earnings. A higher ration indicates lower levels of affordability.

Source: Land Registry

Relatively Low (and Declining) Levels of Homelessness...

7.27 Whilst levels of homelessness are higher in Slough than they are in RBWM, the rate remains

below that seen regionally and nationally – and has declined in recent years.

Figure 7‐14: Homelessness Rate Per 1,000 Households

Source: CLG – Live Tables on Homelessness

2.1

0.4

4.5

10.0

3.62.9

3.3 3.7

5.7

1.2

0.4

4.5

2.0

0.9

0.0

1.61.1

1.9

0

2

4

6

8

10

12


Hillingdon Hounslow Reading Spelthorne Wycombe South East England

Local Authority Areas Wider Geographies

Rate per 1,000 Households

2004/5 2009/10


Page 162

Pockets of Relative Deprivation Relating to Housing Widespread Throughout East Berkshire...

7.28 Further indication of spatial variations in housing related issues East Berkshire can be gained

through analysis of the IMD Housing domain.

7.29 The Housing IMD domain is mapped below, with the darker colours representing the more

deprived localities in relation to localities across the country. The map highlights

concentration of relative multiple deprivation relating to housing across East Berkshire. In

RBWM, the concentrations of relative multiple deprivation observed in more rural parts of

the Borough are likely to relate to high house prices. When concentrations of relative

multiple deprivation exist in Slough, they are likely to represent the issues relating to

overcrowding discussed above.

Figure 7‐15: Indices of Multiple Deprivation: Deprivation related to Housing

Indicators Used: Household overcrowding; LA level percentage of households for whom a decision on their application for assistance under the homelessness provision of housing legislation has been made, assigned to constituent SOAs; Difficulty of Access to owner‐occupation; Road distance to GP surgery; Road distance to general stores or supermarket; Road distance to primary school; Road distance to a Post Office or sub post office

Source: IMD from CLG; Digital Mapping Solutions from Dotted Eyes. © Crown Copyright 2006. All Rights Reserved. Licence number 1000199918


Page 163

Health and Wellbeing

A Generally More Healthy Population in RBWM than in Slough....

7.30 The previous chapter highlighted the presence of health related issues in Berkshire through

analysis of ESA and incapacity benefit claimants. There are around 7,500 people claiming

these benefits in the area – a rate of 4.2% which is below regional and national average.

However, the data also revealed that the number of ESA / incapacity benefit claimants is

considerably higher in Slough (5.6%; 4,900 people) than in RBWM (2.9%; 2,700 people). The

ESA / incapacity benefits claimant rates in Maidenhead, Slough TC and Windsor and Eton are

3.7%, 6.2% and 1.7% respectively. The high rate in Slough TC amounts to around 1,200

people in real terms.

7.31 To establish a more detailed understanding of health related issues within East Berkshire,

this section considers a number of other indicators relating to health.

7.32 Life expectancy provides an indication of the health and life chances of local residents at the

broadest level. For females, life expectancy in RBWM is close to the regional average at 79.3

years. In Slough, however, female life expectancy is considerably lower at 77.5. For males,

life expectancy levels are similar in both Slough and RBWM (at 82.6 and 82.9 respectively).

Performance is above regional and national average. Across all benchmark geographies, life

expectancy has improved at similar rates for both males and females in recent years.

Figure 7‐16: Life Expectancy – Female (Top) and Male (Bottom)

80.2

81.881.4

79.8

81.1

81.682.0 81.9

81.6

80.7

82.682.9

83.2

81.6

82.1

83.9

83.3

84.0

83.0

82.0

77

78

79

80

81

82

83

84

85

Slough Windsor and

Maidenhead

Hillingdon Hounslow Reading South Bucks Spelthorne Wycombe South East England

Female Life Expectancy (years)

Jan01‐Dec03 Jan06‐Dec08


Page 164

Source: Life Expectancy, ONS

7.33 The standardised mortality rate is below the national average in both Slough and RBWM. In

Slough, however, the rate is higher than both the RBWM and regional averages.

7.34 RBWM also performs well in terms of the rate of low birth weight births. Here, the 6.2%,

compared to 6.9% across the South East. The rate in Slough is relatively high at 9% ‐ well

above both national and regional average. In both Slough and RBWM, the rate has fallen by

over a percentage point in recent years.

Figure 7‐17: Standardised Mortality Rate, 2003 (top) and Low Birthweight Live Births (bottom)

75.4

77.4

76.5

75.3

75.8

78.8

78.278.0

77.4

76.2

77.7

79.3

78.1

77.477.7

81.3

79.7

80.2

79.2

77.9

72

73

74

75

76

77

78

79

80

81

82



Male Life Expectancy (years)


94

90

94

105

94

85 8586

92

80

85

90

95

100

105

110


Hillingdon Hounslow Reading Spelthorne South Bucks Wycombe South East

Rate Stardardised agaisnt England and W

ales average


Page 165

Note: Mortality Rate standardised against England and Wales Average – 100= average

Source: ONS

7.35 In Slough, the rate of hospital admissions for coronary heart disease (18.5 per 1,000

population) is considerably higher than all benchmark geographies. The rate has more than

double in recent years. The rate has also doubled in RBWM – here there are 16.6 admissions

per 1,000 population – similar to the national average.

7.36 Hospital admissions for cancer have also increased sharply in both Slough and RBWM in

recent years. In this case, RBWM performs less well than Slough and has an admissions rate

(20.4 per 1,000 population) above the regional average.

Figure 7‐18: Hospital Admissions ‐ Coronary Heart Disease (top) and Cancer (excluding non‐melanoma skin cancer) (bottom)

10.2

7.37.6

8.1 7.9 8.17.7

7.46.9

7.7

9.0

6.2

7.6 7.4 7.37.7

6.56.9 6.9

7.6

0

2

4

6

8

10

12



Percentage


8.9

7.5

11.4 11.5

6.9

14.2

10.0

12.8

8.2

11.8

18.5

15.6

17.9

14.7

11.6

16.4

15.314.4

16.9

15.6

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20


Hillingdon Hounslow Reading Spelthorne South Bucks Wycombe South East England

Rate ‐Hospital Admissions per 1,000 population

Apr02‐Mar03 Apr07‐Mar08


Page 166

Source: Hospital Admissions, ONS

7.37 The key trends seen across a range of other health indicators include:

Alcohol related deaths – the rate in Slough is especially high at 17.8 per 100,000

population. The rate is especially high for males. The rate is also higher in RBWM

than regional and national average.

Teenage Conception Rates – the rate in Slough is slightly above regional average but

below national average although there has been strong improvement in recent

years. The rate in RBWM is less than half that of Slough and the regional average.

Prevalence of Obese Children – there is a higher prevalence of obese children in

Slough than regionally and nationally at both reception and year 6 levels. In contrast,

RBWM performs better than regional and national averages in this respect.

A diverse and significant range of health issues exist in Slough amongst the migrant

communities. Prevalence of diseases such as TB and HIV in certain localities

exemplify this. Household overcrowding and generally poor housing conditions are

thought to contribute to and exacerbate issues.

9.9

12.513.9

22.0

12.3

24.2

14.916.5

11.3

17.318.7

20.4

17.515.7

14.8

24.9

20.4

34.4

19.621.2

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40



Rate ‐Hospital Admissions per 1,000 population

Apr02‐Mar03 Apr07‐Mar08


Page 167

Figure 7‐19:Other Health Indicators: Alcohol Related Deaths (top), Teenage Conception rates (middle) and Prevalence of Obese Children (bottom)

Source: ONS

17.8

11.4 11.7

18.9

15.5

7.4

10.69.5

10.9

23.2

14.3

17.7

27.4

21.1

8.0

12.5

17.6

14.7

11.9

8.6

6.3

10.89.8

6.9

8.8

6.27.4

0

5

10

15

20

25

30


Hillingdon Hounslow Reading South Bucks Wycombe South East England

Alcohol Related deaths per 100,000 pop

Persons Males Females

47.8

26.0

42.8

48.1

58.6

36.1

21.6

30.6

36.6

45.0

38.1

18.1

43.245.9

50.6

37.6

24.8 24.0

33.0

40.9

-9.7-7.9

0.4

-2.2

-8.0

1.53.2

-6.6-3.6 -4.1

‐20

‐10

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70



Conceptions per 1,000 15‐17 year old females

1998‐00 2006‐08 Change in Rate 1998‐00 to 2006‐08

13.1

6.5

9.2

12.1

9.9 10.4

8.8

6.8

8.79.6

19.4

13.5

19.7

23.5

19.9

17.3 17.0

14.6

16.0

18.3

0

5

10

15

20

25



Percentage

Prevalence of Obese Children; Reception Prevalence of Obese Children; Year 6


Page 168

7.38 The Health and Disability IMD domain is mapped below, and allows for broad spatial analysis

of health and disability related issues at a more local level. The map highlights overall higher

levels of deprivation relating to Health within Slough, with particular concentrations of

deprivation in Britwell, Chalvey and Foxborough.

7.39 Levels of deprivation relating to health and disability are considerably lower in RBWM. Here,

localities around Maidenhead suffer from higher levels of deprivation relating to health and

disability relative to the Borough average.

Figure 7‐20: Indices of Multiple Deprivation: Deprivation related to Health and Disability

Indicators Used: Years of Potential Life Lost; Comparative Illness and Disability Ratio; Measure of acute morbidity, derived from Hospital Episode Statistics; The proportion of adults under 60 suffering from mood or anxiety disorders based on prescribing.


Crime and Safety

Crime – and the fear of crime – an issue in Slough and across the town centres...

7.40 Statistics from the British Crime Survey highlight a large degree of disparity between levels

of recorded crime in Slough and RBWM:

In 2008/9, the recorded crime rate in Slough was 83 offences per 1,000 population –

considerably higher than the rate of 56 offences per 1,000 population in RBWM and

nearly double the police force (Thames Valley) and national averages. The high crime

in Slough can partly be explained by the urban nature of the Borough – town centres

and urban areas often have the highest crime rates. Indeed, the crime rate in

Reading (a unitary authority with comparable urban characteristics) is similar to that


Page 169

of Slough.

When total crime rates are broken down, it can be seen that two categories account

for the majority of criminal offences in Slough – violence against the person (31

offences per 1,000 population) and theft from a motor vehicle (20 offences per

1,000 population). The latter category is particularly high relative to regionally and

national averages.

Table 7‐1 Local Authority Areas: Recorded crime for seven key offences and Recorded crime BCS comparator 2009/10

Offences per 1,000 population 09/10

Violence against the person

Sexual offences

Robbery Burglary dwelling

Theft of a motor vehicle

Theft from a vehicle

Interfering with a motor vehicle

Recorded crime

Slough 31 2 3 9 3 20 2 83

RBWM 18 1 1 6 2 16 2 56

Hillingdon 23 1 3 9 3 12 1 56

Hounslow 24 1 3 9 3 10 0 58

Reading 29 2 2 12 3 13 1 81

Thames Valley 18 1 1 5 2 8 1 46

England and Wales 16 1 1 5 2 6 1 45

Source: The British Crime Survey from Home Office

7.41 The charts below highlight changes in the levels of recorded offences since 2002. The charts

highlight declining levels of crime in numerous categories including burglary, fraud and

offences against vehicles, but increasing crime rates in categories including drug offences,

‘other offences’ sexual offences and violence against the person.


Page 170

Figure 7‐21: Recorded Offences – Absolute Change 2003‐2010 (middle) and Rate per 1,000 Population Change 2003‐2010 (bottom)

Source: Home Office

7.42 The Crime IMD domain is mapped below, and allows for local variations in crime levels

within East Berkshire to be assessed. The map reinforces the trends described above, with

overall higher levels of crime in Slough than in RBWM. It also reinforces the idea that crime

rates are highest in more urban areas – concentration of crime related deprivation are seen

around Slough Town Centre, Windsor Town Centre and Maidenhead.

-55.1

-41.1

1.3

24.2

-53.2

-28.6

113.5

-15.3

-4.9

41.1

67.4

44.3

-30.7

-15.2 -18.3

81.9

-25.2

-13.0

34.3

-16.7 -14.8

35.530.9

67.4

-43.0

-32.3

-7.8

45.6

-45.7

-21.9

78.6

-16.0-7.5

38.6

51.1 53.1

‐80

‐60

‐40

‐20

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Burglary in a building

other than a

dwelling

Burglary in a dwelling

Criminal damage

Drug offences Fraud and forgery

Offences against vehicles

Other offences

Other theft offences

Robbery Sexual Offences

Violence against the person ‐ with

injury

Violence against the person ‐

without injury

Absolute Chnage (%

)


-6.5-7.1

-0.8

0.7

-10.6

-11.6

1.1

-6.3

-0.3

0.4

4.35.1

-3.4

-1.5

-3.9

1.4

-1.8

-4.3

0.2

-5.3

-0.2

0.2

1.2

4.4

-4.9-4.1

-2.4

1.1

-5.9

-7.8

0.7

-5.8

-0.3

0.3

2.7

4.7

‐14

‐12

‐10

‐8

‐6

‐4

‐2

0

2

4

6

Burglary in a building other

than a

dwelling

Burglary in a dwelling

Criminal damage

Drug offences Fraud and forgery

Offences against vehicles

Other offences

Other theft offences

Robbery Sexual Offences

Violence against the person ‐ with

injury

Violence against the person

‐without injury

Percentage

Point Chnage



Page 171

Figure 7‐22: Indices of Multiple Deprivation: Deprivation related to Crime

Indicators Used: Burglary (4 recorded crime offence types, Police Force data for April 2004‐March 2005 constrained to Crime Disorder and Reduction Partnership (CDRP) level); Theft (5 recorded crime offence types, Police Force data for April 2004‐March 2005, constrained to CDRP level); Criminal Damage (10 recorded crime offence types, Police Force data for April 2004‐March2005, constrained to CDRP level); Violence (14 recorded crime offence types, Police Force data for April 2004‐March 2005, constrained to CDRP level)


7.43 Away from the evidence provided by actual recorded crime figures, it is also important to

consider perceptions and fear of crime. Anecdotal evidence from consultation with

stakeholders suggests that across East Berkshire residents perceive crime issues to be

greater than they actually are – this is especially the case in the three main East Berkshire

town centres.

7.44 Data from the 2008 Place Survey regarding local perceptions of crime is set out below. In

comparison to more local benchmark area, the perception of crime is very high in Slough –

more than double the regional average across two of the indicators. Here, over a third of

residents perceive anti‐social behaviour to be a problem locally, 40% believe drunk and

rowdy behaviour to be any issue, whilst over half of residents believe that drug use or

dealing is a problem.

7.45 Perception of crime is clearly lower in RBWM – despite this however, it is important to note

that perception of crime is an issue for a considerable number of people in the Borough and

as such should not be ignored.


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Figure 7‐23: Perception of Crime

Percentage of residents who think anti‐social behaviour is a problem in their local area

Anti‐social behaviour Drunk and rowdy behaviour Drug use or drug dealing

Slough 35.3 40.3 52.7

RBWM 14.3 25.2 21.5

Hillingdon 25.9 37.7 35.9

Hounslow 33.3 38.3 44.0

Reading 27.0 41.3 39.4

South Bucks 15.1 18.0 19.7

Spelthorne 20.0 28.6 26.8

Wycombe 14.4 19.6 25.3

South East 16.2 26.6 24.4

England 20.0 29.0 30.5

Source: Place Survey 2008, CLG

7.46 A more up to date indication of local perceptions of crime is provided by the 2010 Slough

Attitudes Survey – a survey commissioned by Slough Borough Council assessing resident

views and opinions of living in Slough. The latest survey suggests that:

When asked about aspects of the area which most needed improving, the top

response was the level of crime (37% of respondents). When quizzed in more detail

about problems in Slough, 40% of respondents cited teenagers hanging around in

the street as a big or fairly big issue, 27% of respondents cited using or dealing drugs

as a big or fairly big issue, 24% of respondents cited vandalism / graffiti / other

damage to property as a big or fairly big issue and 14% of respondents cited people

being drunk or rowdy in public places as a big or fairly big issue

In terms of actual crime, one in ten residents said they had been a victim of crime in

the past year, with the most common cause of this theft from vehicles.

Whilst 90% of respondents said they felt safe in Slough during the daytime, this

figure drops to 42% during the night time. Areas of Slough where people feel most

unsafe at night time include Cippenham Green, (78%), Chalvey (42%), Cippenham

Meadows (42%), Colnbrook with Poyle (41%) and Wexham Lea (41%).

Participation in Sport, Culture and the Arts

Stronger Participation in Certain Leisure Activities Amongst RBWM residents...

7.47 National Indicators 8‐11 provide an overview of the participation of local residents in sport,

culture and the arts.

RBWM performs strongly, outperforming the South East average across all four

indicators. Performance is strong in relation to sport and recreation (27% of

residents participate in at least 30 minutes of recreation three or more times a

week). Around 60% of residents have visited a museum or gallery over the past year,

whilst 58% of residents have ‘engaged in the arts’ over the same time period –

considerably higher rates than seen across any benchmark area. These indicators

would seem to reflect the affluent population of RBWM and the perception of an


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overall high quality of life

In comparison to RBWM, Slough performs less well across these indicators. Only

16% of residents participate in at least 30 minutes of recreation three or more times

a week (a low rate and one with health implications), 38% of residents have visited a

museum or gallery over the past year, whilst 29% of residents have ‘engaged in the

arts’ over the same time period. Slough performs below all benchmark geographies

across these indicators. The one indicator which Slough performs more strongly in is

use of libraries (around 47% of residents over the past year).

Figure 7‐24: Participation in Leisure and Culture

NI8: Percentage of adults (16+) who have participated in 30 minutes of moderate intensity sport and active recreation on three or more days in the past week (2007‐9)

NI9: Percentage of adults (16+) who have visited a public library in the past 12 months (2009)

NI10: Percentage of adults (16+) who have visited a museum or gallery in the past 12 months (2009)

NI11: Percentage of adults (16+) who have engaged in the arts at least three times in the past 12 months (2009)

Source: Department for Culture Media and Sport, 2009

Green and Open Space

High Levels of Green Space in East Berkshire – and in RBWM in Particular...

7.48 Ability to access ‘Open’ and ‘Green’ space is an important factor in perceptions of quality of

life, particularly in urban areas.

7.49 Reflecting the relatively urban nature of Slough, around a third of land in the Borough is

classified as green space, compared to 74% of land in the larger and less urban RBWM.

16.1

46.6

37.7

29.326.6

45.5

59.957.9

20.4

57.154.4

44.7

16.5

46.5

53.3

38.4

19.7

41.9

55.3

49.6

26.3

43.0

57.1

52.1

21.8

49.4 48.8

44.4

23.5

52.8 53.9 52.6

43.1

54.9

48.9

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

National Indicator 8 National Indicator 9 National Indicator 10 National Indicator 11

Percentage

Slough Windsor and Maidenhead HillingdonHounslow Reading South BucksSpelthorne Wycombe South East


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Figure 7‐25: Proportion of Green Space, 2005

Source: ONS Neighbourhood Statistics

7.50 Reflecting these characteristics, RBWM has 16,480 hectares of designated green belt land,

whilst in Slough the figure is 830 hectares. The implications of this in terms of planning and

development are discussed in the next section.

Community Inclusion and the Big Society

Higher Levels of Community Cohesion and Participation in RBWM, than Slough...

7.51 How people experience where they live and how they integrate with other residents is likely

to be a key factor in quality of life for individuals. Again, data from the 2008 Place Survey

can be used to gain an indication of resident’s perceptions of the local area.

7.52 Again, in comparison to more local benchmark areas, Slough tends to perform below

average (including the regional average). Around 69% of Slough residents agree that the

local area is a place where people from different backgrounds get on well together, less than

half believe they belong to their immediate neighbourhood, and 64% of residents are

satisfied with their area as a place to live. In RBWM, the figures for these three indicators are

80%, 55% and 86% respectively.

35%

74%

49%

40%

33%

78%

41%

85%

68%

85%

87%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Slough


Hillingdon

Hounslow

Reading

South Bucks

Spelthorne

Wycombe

East Berkshire

South East

England

Local Authorities

Wider

Geographies

Area of Greenspace ‐ % of All Land


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Figure 7‐26: Perception of Place and Community

% who agree that their local area is a place where people from different backgrounds get on well together

% who feel they belong to their immediate neighbourhood

% who are satisfied with their local area as a place to live

% people aged 65 and over who are satisfied with both home and neighbourhood

Slough 68.5 47.4 63.6 73.6

RBWM 80.2 54.5 86.3 85.8

Hillingdon 73.2 52.3 70.9 76.9

Hounslow 73.2 52.3 69.4 75.7

Reading 77.8 44.4 75.7 85.0

South Bucks 81.6 62.3 84.3 83.8

Spelthorne 74.2 55.5 75.4 80.8

Wycombe 76.8 58.6 83.6 86.1

South East 78.9 58.3 82.8 85.5

England 76.4 58.7 79.7 83.9

Source: Place Survey 2008, CLG

7.53 The Big Society is a key part of the Coalition Governments localism agenda and is based

upon the idea that local communities should become more engaged and active in decision

making and delivery.

7.54 The table below considers some of the key areas on which the Big Society is likely focus and

build upon:

In Slough, around 17% of the population have given unpaid help in the past year.

Around 44% of residents feel there is a problem with people not treating each other

with respect. Around 30% agree they can influence local decision making, but only

13% feel they have been involved in decision making in the past 12 months.

In RBWM, the rate of people who have given unpaid help in the past year is higher at

23%, but lower than in areas such as Wycombe and South Bucks. Around a quarter

think there is a problem with people not treating each other with respect. A lower

proportion (29%) believe they can influence decision making than in Slough, but a

higher proportion (15%) actually have in the past 12 months.


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Figure 7‐27: Perception of Place and Community

% who have given unpaid help at least once per month over the last 12 months

% who think there is a problem with people not treating each other with respect and consideration

in their local area

% who have been involved in decisions that affect the local area in the past 12

months

% who agree that they can influence

decisions in their local area

Slough 16.7 43.7 12.8 30.2

RBWM 23.2 25.1 14.9 28.7

Hillingdon 21.8 39.8 15.2 34.5

Hounslow 16.8 36.9 15.8 33.6

Reading 24.0 36.3 13.6 29.3

South Bucks 26.5 24.2 15.1 26.5

Spelthorne 16.9 33.2 11.0 22.1

Wycombe 30.0 25.8 16.9 28.5

South East 24.8 28.1 28.2 14.2

England 23.2 31.2 28.9 14.0

Source: The Place Survey, CLG

The Big Society in RBWM RBWM has been designated one of three vanguard local authorities specifically tasked with designing projects relating to the idea of the Big Society. Through the programme, the council aims to create an environment where it is easy for communities to do things for themselves, focusing on issues which are important to them. The council’s role is to facilitate activities which can ensure maximum community benefit. A wide range of projects are being delivered including the following:

Adopt a Street ‐ an expansion of the Council's current voluntary scheme where residents or communities adopt a specific area. This includes a focus on environmental issues that may be a concern to local people.

Ways into Volunteering ‐ A project that seeks to signpost potential volunteers ‐ particularly those that have never volunteered before to volunteering opportunities. At the heart of this project is the idea of mapping volunteering opportunities and of simplifying the process to put the volunteer directly in touch with voluntary opportunities.

Licensing ‐ allowing RBWM to raise revenue at nightclub doors and use that to commission more police at weekends.

Participatory Budgeting exercise ‐ this is being developed at a local level to give communities greater influence on public spending .

Linkages and Dynamics Underpinning Quality of Life and Social Inclusion in East Berkshire

7.55 Quality of life factors play an important role in defining East Berkshires functional economic

geographies.

7.56 As discussed in the previous chapter, East Berkshire and the wider area is characterised by

multiple labour market linkages and dependencies which underpin the functioning of the

local economy. Quality of life factors also underpin these dependencies, with relatively


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highly skilled and affluent residents attracted to live in locations such as RBWM by the high

quality living environment, strong housing quality and prestigious image of the area. By

contrast, Slough – perceived to offer a lower quality of life and lower quality housing stock –

is characterised by the presence of lower skilled and less affluent residents. The

comparatively low cost living locally (combined with the location and the availability of jobs)

has also made Slough an appealing and to convenient gateway to the country for migrants.

7.57 As this suggests, housing markets play a particularly important role in defining sub‐regional

dynamics – and as such, going forward, how housing markets operate and change will help

to shape local economic performance. Under increasing pressures from competing locations

across the globe, existing competitive advantages of the local economy will need to be

maximised. In East Berkshire, the strong local economy will to a certain extent depend upon

the local labour market being retained and enhanced. However, the extent to which this can

be achieved will depend upon the ability of the local area to accommodate population and

housing growth. As discussed in the next chapter, there exist significant constraints in this

respect across East Berkshire.


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8. Sustainable Economic Growth in East Berkshire

8.1 The pursuit of sustainable economic growth is a key concern for any local authority. Our

consideration of the potential for sustainable economic growth in East Berkshire examines

two broad but interlinked themes:

Infrastructure – the extent to which infrastructure supports the economic

sustainability of the local area. This includes a detailed analysis of local commercial

property markets, an examination of trends in local employment land and a

consideration of transport infrastructure and the extent to which the area has good

external connectivity. The ability of an area to appeal to both people and firms is an

important element in boosting the economy and can impact subsequently on

demand for employment space.

Environmental sustainability – consideration of the physical environment is central

to any consideration of sustainable economic growth. Consideration here is placed

on the current environmental trends locally, including emissions of CO2 and rates of

local recycling. The broader environmental impacts of East Berkshire’s economy,

along with the potential environmental impacts of future growth, are also

considered.

Sustainable Economic Growth in East Berkshire: Headline Characteristics

The high quality natural and physical environment in RBWM is a contributing factor in

ensuring that the Borough is perceived as a desirable place to live. The image attached to

Slough in this respect is less strong.

However, these physical characteristics also have an impact in terms of the potential for

future development in East Berkshire. In RBWM, numerous development constraints exist

(including the Special Protection Area, the Flood Plain, the green belt and the historic

environment) which mean opportunities for future commercial and office developments

are limited. In Slough, the main constraint is the boundaries of the Borough – there is

seemingly little potential for further urban growth and ‘creep’ into neighbouring areas.

These factors are potentially important in terms of future economic performance,

especially in relation to competition from other locations.

Despite development constraints, efforts to enhance image of place and achieve urban

renewal are underway throughout East Berkshire. In Maidenhead – one area of RBWM

which has experienced declining town centre performance in recent years – the

establishment of PROM and the local area action plan targets future physical development

which will revitalise the town centre. In Slough, physical renewal is being sought through

the Heart of Slough scheme which is looking to provide new facilities for the town and

ultimately improve the image of place.

Aside from the natural environment, physical infrastructure also plays a core role in East

Berkshire’s economic performance. The area has strong connectivity to locations


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throughout the South East of England and the world (via Heathrow), helped by proximity to

major motorways and important rail links. There are also several opportunities for the area

going forward in this respect. Infrastructure developments such as Crossrail and the

proposed western access to Heathrow will help to reinforce the attraction of the area to

both employers and employees and help to overcome capacity constraints.

Efforts to achieve future economic growth in East Berkshire – and indeed the design of

specific socio‐economic interventions that target growth – will be need to be set firmly in

the context of a wider strategy to achieve greater levels of environmental sustainability.

The industrial nature of the Slough economy means that current levels of commercial

emissions are high. Future growth may include the targeted development of the

environmental technologies sector, especially on the basis of servicing the needs of the

local population.

Land Use and Development

Important Development Constraints through East Berkshire...

8.2 As discussed in the previous chapter, Slough and RBWM have very different characteristics

in terms of levels of green space. This reflects major differences in the physical

characteristics of the two Boroughs and resultant land use. This is apparent in the chart

below with Slough having a high proportion of land built upon in comparison to RBWM.

Figure 8‐1: Generalised Land Use

Source: ONS, Generalised Land use Database

8.3 The table below summarises the characteristics of previously developed land in East

Berkshire:

8%

10%

4%

3%

7%

11%

14%

26%

3%

6%

2%

18%

18%

15%

5%

12%

4%

5%

2%

2%

4%

4%

26%

21%

8%

5%

24%

12%

14%

6%

4%

16%

15%

15%

73%

35%

74%

68%

85%

87%

5%

4%

4%

14%

18%

28%

5%

11%

2%

4%

2%

1%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Maidenhead

Slough


Windsor and Eton

Slough


East Berkshire

South East

England

Town Centres

Local

Authorities

Wider G

eographies

Area of Domestic Buildings Area of Non Domestic Buildings Area of RoadArea of Path Area of Rail Area of Domestic GardensArea of Greenspace Area of Water Area of Other Land Uses


Page 180

In 2005, there were around 50 hectares of vacant land in Slough, 50 hectares of land

allocated in a local plan or with planning permission, 190 hectares of unused land

which may be available for redevelopment, and 100 hectares of land currently in use

with known redevelopment potential but no planning allocation or permission. The

latter two figures are higher than any of the benchmark geographies

In RBWM, there were around 10 hectares of both vacant land and derelict buildings

in RBWM, 20 hectares of land allocated in a local plan or with planning permission,

80 hectares of unused land which may be available for redevelopment, and 50

hectares of land currently in use with known redevelopment potential but no

planning allocation or permission.

Figure 8‐2: Land Use – Previously Developed Land – March 2008

Hectares Vacant Land

Vacant Buildings

Derelict Land &

Buildings

Land Unusedor May be Available

for Redevelopment

Land in Use &Allocated in a

Local Plan or With Planning

Permission for any Use

Land Currently in Use with Known

Redevelopment Potential but No

Planning Allocation or Permission

Slough 30 0 0 190 50 100

RBWM 0 10 10 80 20 50

Hillingdon 10 0 0 50 30 0

Hounslow 0 0 0 100 80 20

Reading 0 0 0 120 100 10

Spelthorne 0 10 0 40 20 20

South Bucks 0 0 0 30 30 0

Wycombe 0 20 0 140 60 60

Source: HCA

8.4 It is important to note that these figures are for 2008 and that these figures are likely to

have changed in the intervening period – some land is likely to have already been

redeveloped / reused, whilst other land will have become available, especially given the

challenging economic context.

8.5 What the figures highlight, however, are the development constraints which exist in RBWM

and across East Berkshire. These constraints are discussed below.

Development constraints in East Berkshire There are several constraints to development activity in RBWM. The major ones include:

Greenbelt – as discussed previously, RBWM has 16,480 hectares of designated green belt land –

thee amounts to 83% of all land in the Borough.

Special Protection Area (SPA) – whilst only a small part (0.27 hectares) of the Thames Basin

Heaths SPA is in RBWM is located within the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, there a

number of spheres of influence which affect the Borough – the 400m zone of influence; 400m to

5km zone and the 5km to 7km zone. Under the Habitat Regulations, in order for development

proposals to be acceptable, it must be demonstrated that they will have no likely significant

effect on the SPA, either alone or in combination with other proposals.

Flooding – the Environment Agency estimates that, within Windsor and Maidenhead, over

10,000 properties are at ‘significant’ risk of flooding, representing almost 40% of the total


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number of properties within the Borough. This has significant implications for development

activity in the Borough.

Anecdotally, development activity is also constrained in locations such as Windsor by the historic nature of built environment and the presence of affluent residents who are often averse to physical development activity. Consultation with stakeholders has highlighted a number of examples where major development proposals have been rejected despite the support of local businesses – these include the proposed Park and Ride scheme at Eton Wick and the proposed Imperial House office development in Windsor. Physical development constraints also exist in Slough although typically of a different nature to those in RBWM. Anecdotally, Slough is physically constrained by its boundaries – the urban nature of the Borough means that there is less scope for urban expansion, especially given the development constraints which exist in neighbouring areas such as RBWM. By way of contrast, stakeholders gave the example of Reading which is less constrained in this respect and which by working with neighbouring areas has been able to expand organically into other local authority areas.

Ultimately, development constraints have the potential to have a significant impact upon the functionality of East Berkshire – affecting not only local economic growth and expansion but associated labour market flows and dependencies.

Commercial Property

8.6 The availability and quality of commercial property is of instrumental importance to local

economic performance, a key factor underpinning efforts to retain and attract investment to

an area.

8.7 In 2005, commercial property vacancy rates in Slough stood at 20% ‐ compared to 15% in

RBWM, 12% across Reading and 9% across the South East and across England. Again, it is

important to note that these figures are relatively old (for 2005) and the situation is likely to

have changed in the intervening period. It is, however, telling that vacancy rates were

relatively high in East Berkshire during a period a stronger economic performance.

Figure 8‐3: Commercial Property Vacancy Rates, 2005

Source: CLG

20

15 15

9

12

9 9 9

0

5

10

15

20

25

Slough RBWM Hounslow Hillingdon Reading West Berkshire

South East England

Percentage


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8.8 Rateable values of commercial property are typically higher in East Berkshire than the

regional and national averages. However, rateable values also vary within East Berkshire,

with values typically higher in RBWM than in Slough. Rateable values are particularly strong

in RBWM for retail and office premises.

Figure 8‐4: Rateable Values, 2008

Source: CLG

East Berkshire by Area: Physical Development and Regeneration

8.9 In physical terms, the characteristics of place within East Berkshire’s town centres are

relatively diverse. This section considers the three main town centres in East Berkshire,

highlighting their strengths and weaknesses and outlining plans which exist for regeneration.

Windsor and Eton

Town Centre Strengths and Weaknesses

8.10 As discussed above, Windsor and Eton is a successful town centre with and diverse offer

based around leisure, the visitor economy and retail. The town has a strong town centre

partnership with good representation from local businesses.

8.11 In employment terms, Windsor and Eton is the smallest of the three East Berkshire town

centres, providing around 11,200 jobs. Around 70% of jobs in the town are accounted for by

two sectors – distribution, hotels and restaurants (which includes retail) and banking,

finance and insurance. Public administration, health and education also accounts for around

a fifth of jobs. In recent years, however, performance has been less strong – around 900 jobs

were lost in the town centre between 2005 and 2008. The overall trend of employment

decline in recent years is largely the result of the loss of around 1,000 jobs in the banking,

finance and insurance sector.

8.12 Our consultations suggested, that there are several constraints currently affecting Windsor

town centre. One of the biggest issues for Windsor is transport and parking. Whilst public

transport and train links are generally good, transport hubs are working at full capacity and

road congestion in the area is bad. Parking is a key issue – especially for local businesses

(including local hotels). The historic nature of the town means that parking spaces are hard

95

149

125

129

98

57

86

38

124

158

162

163

136

64 70

34

112

154

141

144

101

73

90

52

139 14

7

193

166

232

64

99

41

95

152

98 97

106

51

65

38

78

138

109

113

88

40

52

33

66

130

121 12

8

84

29

40

32

0

50

100

150

200

250

All Bulk Classes

Retail Premises

Offices Commercial Offices

Other' Offices Factories Warehouses Other Bulk Premises

Rateable Value per m

2

Slough RBWM Hounslow Hillingdon Reading South East England


Page 183

to come by. The town has one multi‐storey car park, but this is owned by the King Edward

Court Shopping Centre and is aimed just at retail visitors. Anecdotal evidence has suggested

that lack of parking in local business premises presents major issues in terms of retaining

and attracting new business. Businesses such as Coca‐Cola and Intercontinental have left

due to parking and price issues – the feeling being that other locations are able to offer

more than Windsor in this respect. A Park and Ride scheme at Eton Wick was previously

seen as the ideal solution but was later rejected due to local resident concerns.

8.13 As discussed in the previous section, physical development is also perceived to act as a

constraint locally. The need to preserve the historic nature and atmosphere of the town has

stifled development activity in recent years. One recent example is Imperial House – a

proposed new office development which was rejected due to concerns of local residents.

There is concern amongst local businesses that lack of development activity will ultimately

stifle growth in the local economy, with a lack of suitable business accommodation proving

detrimental to efforts to retain and attract investment.

Physical Development and Regeneration

8.14 The development which has taken place at the King Edward Court and Royal Windsor

shopping centres in recent years has significantly improved the retail offer locally along with

the retail environment. Given the existing strong performance of Windsor Town Centre,

there are currently no major plans for physical regeneration in the town centre.

Maidenhead


8.15 Maidenhead Town Centre accounts for around 15,000 jobs – around 65% of which are in the

banking, finance and insurance and distribution, hotels and restaurants sectors. Together,

construction and public administration, education and health account for a further quarter

of jobs. Since 2003, employment has contracted by around 7% (a loss of around 1,100 jobs).

This overall trend masks variation in performance by sector – whilst the local construction

and distribution, hotels and restaurants sectors have seen strong growth, the transport and

communications and banking, finance and insurance sectors have seen large employment

declines.

8.16 Consultation with stakeholders has highlighted that the town centre itself has been in

relative decline for several years. This decline includes an overall decline in the standard of

the retail offer and an associated decline in footfall / people using the town. The most recent

national retailer to leave the town was Waterstones in January 2011.

8.17 Evidence suggests that Maidenhead is unable to offer the premises desired by national

retailers which typically seek large footplates. Increasingly, Maidenhead is seen as being

unable to compete with other regional retail locations such as Reading and High Wycombe

which have improved their retail offer in recent years. Maidenhead has a relatively affluent

population but this population is increasingly choosing to shop elsewhere. This has

perpetuated the decline in retail quality. Landlords are keen to have their premises occupied

to avoid paying rates – often this ends in lower grade retailers. Stakeholders have also cited

changes in local car parking arrangements as a key factor which has negatively impacted

upon how shoppers use Maidenhead as a local service / convenience centre.


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8.18 Anecdotal evidence also cites the perceived poor quality of Maidenheads night time offer. In

comparison to locations such as Windsor, the town no longer has much to attract a diverse

set of people in the evenings and as a result people do not visit the town centre in the

evening.

8.19 Stakeholders suggest that one issue in the past has been the lack of a coherent plan for

development in Maidenhead town centre – development has happened in a piecemeal way.

The recent establishment of the ‘Partnership for the Rejuvenation of Maidenhead’ (PROM) is

targeted at addressing this.


8.20 Acknowledging these challenges and the need for revitalisation in Maidenhead town centre,

PROM was established in 2007. PROM brings together political parties and community and

business organisations, with support from council officers to agree a way forward to

improve both the physical appearance and offer of the town centre.

8.21 The PROM vision for Maidenhead town centre states that Maidenhead will become “the

distinctive heart of the community, a place that celebrates its green Thames Valley setting,

which is welcoming, attractive, and accessible to all, and provides a strong economic focus

for the wider community”. The vision sets out ten strategic objectives to achieve this vision.

Building upon this PROM vision and strategic objectives, the recently published Maidenhead

Area Action Plan identifies six opportunity areas in the town centre. These – along with the

Area Action Plan ‘key diagram’ are set are set out in figures and table.


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Figure 8‐5: PROM Vision for Maidenhead and RBWM Area Action Plan for Maidenhead Town Centre

PROM Vision Strategic Objective: Area Action Plan Opportunity Areas:

Improve the quality, safety and provision of public space

Enhance and introduce the use of water, e.g. transform York Stream to

become an integral part of the town centre and link the Thames to the town

with a river walk and cycle route.

Introduce greenery to the town centre to reflect its Thames Valley setting

Promote higher quality buildings, e.g. create quality landmark buildings in all

new developments and improve the quality and character of High Street.

Make the town centre more accessible, e.g. ensure the train station becomes

a transport

Promote a more pedestrian‐friendly town, e.g. transform the area outside

the station to improve pedestrian crossing facilities into the town centre,

divert traffic away from the town centre and give pedestrians priority.

Promote mixed use development, e.g. draw up innovative development

briefs for key sites where mixed use would create new opportunities for the

town, e.g. the football ground/bowls club site and the West Street area.

Quicken the pace of urban development and promote economic growth, e.g.

move forward with development briefs for key areas.

Foster greater civic pride, e.g. promote improvements to public streets and

spaces, introduce new activities such as markets and festivals, building on

existing well‐developed town centre events, develop Maidenhead's heritage

and encourage more leisure activities in the town centre.

Improve the identity and image of the town centre, e.g. promote

Maidenhead to potential developers who can bring about a step change

towards a better quality town centre, along with a marketing campaign to

help change perceptions of the town both locally and nationally.

Broadway Triangle – allocated as an area for future major retail led

mixed use development. It is the highest priority area for major new

retail development in the town centre and the AAP state that a

comprehensive retail led mixed use regeneration scheme (incorporating

25,000 m2 of retail floorspace; 190 residential dwellings and 6,000 m2

of office floorspace) should be brought forward for this area early in the

plan period.

West Street Area – Allocated for a residential and office led mixed‐use

regeneration scheme (incorporation 21,000 m2 of office floorspace; 310

residential dwellings and complementary leisure provision)

York Road Area – Allocated for a residential and office led mixed use

development. (incorporating 12,000 m2 of office floorspace; 100 high

quality residential dwellings and a public square and green space

Railway Station – Allocated for office led mixed use development

(incorporating 15,750 m2 of office floorspace; 50 residential dwellings;

train/bus/taxi interchange with drop‐off and cycle parking facilities;

enhanced railway station and concourse;5. Small scale station‐related

retail, cafés and kiosk uses)

High Street East / York Stream – allocated for residential and office led

mixed use development (incorporating 100 residential dwellings; 6,500

m2 office floorspace; food and drink uses)

Stafferton Way – Allocated for employment development

(incorporating 9,000 m2 of office floorspace; 500 space multi storey car

park and 4,000 m2 of non‐office employment floorspace)


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Figure 8‐6: Maidenhead Town Centre Area Action Plan – Key Diagram

Source: Maidenhead Area Action Plan Submission Document (2010), accessed at http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/pp_mtc_aap.htm

Slough


8.22 In terms of employment, Slough Town Centre is of similar size to Maidenhead, providing

around 15,100 jobs. The main sectors of activity are banking, finance and insurance

(accounting for nearly 40% of jobs) and distribution, hotels and restaurants (accounting for

just over a quarter of jobs). In recent years, however, the town centre has performed weakly

– losing a fifth of jobs (around 3,900 in absolute terms). Jobs have been lost in all sectors

with the exception of construction. However, the worst performing sector has been the

distribution, hotels and restaurants sector, from which nearly 2,000 jobs have been lost.


Page 187


8.23 Similar to Maidenhead, rejuvenation activity is underway in Slough town centre. Here the

£450m Heart of Slough project is aiming to revitalise a 29‐acre site in the town centre

through a mix of new uses.

8.24 The project is being delivered by Slough Borough Council, the Homes and Communities

Agency, and Development Securities and will ultimately include a new bus station, new

community facilities (including new central library, adult learning facilities and cultural

activities and performances) and new homes, offices, hotels and retail premises. The

former two elements form the first phases of the project, and are due from completion in

2011 and 2012 respectively. As part of the plans, significant work will be undertaken to

improve the public realm, through adjustments to the road layout (to replace the Brunel

roundabout and subways) and the provision of new public spaces.

8.25 The office element of the scheme (provided by Development Securities) is intended to build

upon Slough’s existing reputation as a location for European HQ functions by attracting new

organisations into the town centre.

Away from the Four Main Employment Centres...

Employment Strengths...

8.26 Analysis to date has focused upon the four main employment centres in East Berkshire –

Windsor and Eton, Slough, and Maidenhead town centres and the Slough Trading Estate).

However, whilst these are the four largest concentrations of employment in the area, it is

important to note that they only account for around 38% of all jobs in East Berkshire. There

are over 90,000 jobs outside the four main East Berkshire employment centres. Activity is

spread across a range of sectors, with banking, finance and insurance, public administration

and health and distribution, hotels and restaurants accounting for 26%, 22% and 21% of

activity respectively.

8.27 Away for the four main centres, performance has been vibrant in recent years – with

employment increase of 12% (nearly 10,000 jobs in total). Again, this employment growth

has been spread across a range – the transport and communications, banking, finance and

insurance, public administration and health and other services sectors have gained around

3,500, 2,400, 2,300 and 1,300 jobs respectively.

Weaknesses and Constraints...

8.28 A number of important constraints affect locations away from the main East Berkshire

employment centre. These include:

Transport and connectivity – whilst transport links in certain parts of East Berkshire

are acknowledged to be strong (especially on an East to West axis), linkages in other

parts of the area are less strong. This is partly to be expected given the semi rural

and rural nature of parts of the area but has strong implications for both local

business and residents. Transport infrastructure is considered in more detail in the

next section.


Page 188

Housing affordability – Housing affordability is a major issue in RBWM – especially

in some of the more rural parts of the Borough. Here, (as is the case in many other

locations nationally), there are specific challenges around retaining the young

population given the lack of opportunities to access the housing market.

Access to Services – increasingly rural areas suffer from issues relating to access to

services (e.g. health, retail) with the population in these locations often not able to

provide the critical mass necessary to sustain these facilities.

Transport Infrastructure

A Well Connected Borough...

8.29 Transport infrastructure is a key factor for consideration in terms of the economic

performance of an area. Good connectivity is likely to be an important factor for both

individuals and business.

8.30 As would be expected, given the scale and nature (part rural / part urban) of East Berkshire

the quality of transport infrastructure varies from locality to locality.

8.31 Overall, East Berkshire benefits from a number of important transport linkages. Consultation

with a diverse range of stakeholders has confirmed that one of the key factors underpinning

the East Berkshire economy is the areas physical location (proximity to London and

Heathrow) and the strong transport linkages which allow easy movement to locations

throughout South of England and across the globe. These linkages are fundamental to the

operation of both the labour market and the local economy.

8.32 Key infrastructure strengths include:

The M4 runs through the Borough, providing direct road access into London and to

the west of England. The M25 runs just to the east of East Berkshire, whilst the M40

runs just to the north, providing access to London and the Midlands.

East Berkshire also benefits from strong rail infrastructure, with a total of 13 stations

(3 in Slough) servicing the areas main towns. Many of these stations are located on

the Great Western Mainline, providing direct access into west and central London

and to the west of England. Direct, non stopping trains run from Slough to London

Paddington in around 15 minutes. Usage of East Berkshires stations is illustrated

below. The charts highlight the important travel flows which take place in the

Borough (especially from Slough and Maidenhead stations) and the general increase

in rail passenger numbers in recent years.


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Figure 8‐7: Rail Passenger Statistics for East Berkshire Stations 2008/9 (top); % Change in Rail Passengers for East Berkshire Stations 2002/3 to 2008/9 (bottom)

Source: Office of Rail Regulation

...But Potential Capacity Issues Going Forward...

8.33 Despite the transport infrastructure strengths described above, stakeholder consultation has

highlighted numerous constraints locally in terms of transport infrastructure. These include:

Whilst transport connectivity from east to west in East Berkshire is a core strength

for the local area, connectivity on a north south axis through East Berkshire is not as

strong. Direct access between Maidenhead and High Wycombe is noted as a

particular weakness, with high levels on congestion on the roads. Plans to reinstate

the former Maidenhead to High Wycombe rail link with a light railway are not

through to be financially viable in the short to medium term (although the route has

been safeguarded from development).

917,630

653,345

4,879,229

1,045,853

189,804319,733

146,176

3,681,827

697,761

22,936

1,508,501

1,257,388

71,915

1,622,069

258,213

483,323

21,864 28,8130

500,000

1,000,000

1,500,000

2,000,000

2,500,000

3,000,000

3,500,000

4,000,000

4,500,000

5,000,000

Burnham Langley Slough Ascot Cookham Datchet Furze Platt Maidenhead Sunningdale Sunnymeads Windsor & Eton Central

Windsor & Eton Riverside

Wraysbury

Slough Windsor And Maidenhead

Total Number of People

08/09 Entries & Exits 08/09 Interchanges

8%

33%

10%

22%

6%

44%

-1%

12%

44%

56%

9%

50%

145%

‐20%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

140%

160%

Burnham Langley Slough Ascot Cookham Datchet Furze Platt Maidenhead Sunningdale Sunnymeads Windsor & Eton Central

Windsor & Eton

Riverside

Wraysbury

Slough Windsor And Maidenhead

% Chnage in Number of Entries and Exits betw

een 2002/3 and 2008/9


Page 190

Traffic congestion is seen as a big problem locally, affected both the major routes

and more local routes within East Berkshire. More locally, parking is considered to

be a major issue for Windsor town centre, which is perceived to have real

implications in terms of retaining and attracting investment.

8.34 Location and connectivity is clearly one of the key factors underpinning East Berkshires

strong economic performance and past success in attracting major investment. However,

East Berkshire (and the wider Thames Valley) faces ever increasing competition from

localities across the globe in terms of retaining and attracting new investment. The future

success of places like Slough will to a certain extent depend on the extent to which they can

maximise factors such as location advantage (as they will be unable to compete on factors

such as cost).

8.35 It is important that such constraints are taken into account and where necessary action is

taken in order to ensure that going forward East Berkshire maintains its location advantage

and that the areas investment proposition is maximised.

...And the Potential for Major New Investment

8.36 There a number of important opportunities for East Berkshire going forward in terms of

transport infrastructure:

When completed in 2019, Crossrail will provide a direct link between Maidenhead,

Shenfield and Abbey Wood – passing through the west end of London, the City and

Canary Wharf. Crossrail will service four East Berkshire stations – Maidenhead,

Burnham, Slough and Langley. It will significantly improve service frequency along

journey times (and ease of transit) to numerous central London locations.

There is currently no direct access to Heathrow for locations throughout East

Berkshire and further to the west of England. The proposed western rail access to

Heathrow would rectify this, allowing trains to run directly into Heathrow airport

from locations such as Slough. This would provide significant benefits for the East

Berkshire local economy, reinforcing the comparative advantage of the area in terms

of connectivity. However, proposals and most importantly funding for the project

are yet to be agreed

Access to Heathrow is also partly the focus of further rail infrastructure proposals

affecting East Berkshire. The Windsor Link Rail Company is proposing to privately

finance the construction of a new station in Windsor – which would provide a link

between and replace the two existing termini. The proposals would allow direct

access to Heathrow and would also allow access from Heathrow to London Waterloo

– a long term preference for central government. A new station would also be

constructed in Chalvey in Slough – one of the Borough’s more deprived locations.

Feasibility work is currently underway but the proposals have significant hurdles to

overcome in terms of the impacts of such development on Windsor town centre.


Page 191

Figure 8‐8: Future Transport Infrastructure ‐ Crossrail

Source: Crossrail

Broadband Connectivity

8.37 Over the past decade the internet has become an increasingly important component of

everyday life – for individuals, businesses and institutions alike. High quality and fast internet

connectivity is now a pre‐requisite in investment decisions by businesses – from individuals

working from home to the HQ functions of multi‐national companies.

8.38 Estimates suggest that a high proportion (87%) of dwellings in RBWM have internet

connectivity – a higher rate than in Slough (77%) and also above the regional average (76%).

8.39 Average line speed, however, is lower in RBWM than the South East. Slough performs well in

this respect, with average line speed of 5.5 Mbps. This is likely to reflect the different

physical characteristics of the two Boroughs.

Figure 8‐9: Internet Connectivity

Internet Subscribers Broadband % (broadband lines per head of population)

AverageLine Speed (Mbps)

Number % of dwellings(based on 2010 dwelling stock)

Slough 38,385 76.7% 31.0 5.5

RBWM 51,834 86.8% 35.4 4.2

Reading 61,115 92.5% 41.5 5.5

South Bucks 21,040 77.3% 31.2 5.7

Spelthorne 40,273 97.5% 43.1 4.2

Wycombe 51,243 74.4% 30.5 5.0

South East 2,797,275 76.4% 32.3 4.8

Source: Point Topic and Gavurin


Page 192

Flood Risk

High Levels of Land at Risk from Flooding Throughout East Berkshire...

8.40 Located in the Thames Valley, flood risk is a serious issue for East Berkshire and as discussed

previously has real implications in terms of development activity.

8.41 Flooding risk is a particular issue for RBWM – here, over 10,000 properties are categorised as

being at ‘significant’ risk of flooding, representing almost 40% of the total number of

properties within the Borough.

8.42 The Slough and RBWM Strategic Flood Risk Assessment outline the areas threatened by

flooding in the two Boroughs. These are mapped below.


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Figure 8‐10: Flood Risk Areas ‐ Slough

Source: Slough Strategic Flood Risk Assessment


Page 194

Figure 8‐11: Flood Risk Areas – RBWM

Source: RBWM Strategic Flood Risk Assessment


Page 195

Sustainability Indicators

8.43 This section examines the impact that East Berkshire’s economy has the local environment

and considers the likely effect of future changes in the size and structure of East Berkshire’s

economy.

8.44 CO2 emissions in Slough and RBWM are 5.8 and 6.8 tonnes per capita respectively. The

South East average stands at 6.6 tonnes per capita.

Figure 8‐12: CO2 Emissions Per Capita

Source: Department for Energy and Climate Change

8.45 Levels of energy consumptions vary within East Berkshire:

In Slough, levels of energy domestic consumption (both electricity and gas) are

relatively low. Despite this, average commercial and industrial energy consumption

in the Borough are very high. This is likely to reflect the sectoral structure of the

local economy, with manufacturing and industry amongst the local strengths and

consuming high levels of energy

Levels of commercial and industrial energy consumption in RBWM are very low in

comparison to Slough and are also below the regional average. However,

domestically, levels of energy consumption are higher in RBWM than Slough and the

regional average. This possibly reflects the dwelling profile of the Borough – as

highlighted by analysis of council tax bands earlier, Houses are on average relatively

large and thus likely to have greater energy demands

5.8

6.86.7

8.0

6.2

8.0

6.06.1

6.66.8

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9


Hounslow Hillingdon Reading South Bucks Spelthorne Wycombe South East England

CO2 Em

issions per Capita


Page 196

Figure 8‐13: Energy Consumption

Road transport energy consumption at regional and local authority level, 2008

Electricity consumption at regional and local authority

level, 2009

Gas consumption at regional and local authority level, 2009

Thousands of tonnes of fuel Sales per consumer kWh Sales per consumer kWh

Personal Freight Total Average domestic

consumption

Average commercial and industrial consumption

Average domestic

consumption

Average commercial and industrial consumption

Slough 43.1 19.3 62.4 3,996 129,869 14,518 773,883

RBWM 86.5 35.5 122.0 4,897 73,040 18,485 284,290

Hounslow 87.8 25.1 112.9 4,063 118,772 15,616 477,606

Hillingdon 118.4 37.9 156.2 4,196 154,580 16,409 1,212,886

Reading 26.1 8.3 34.4 4,175 90,028 14,710 597,983

South Bucks 88.8 52.8 141.6 5,444 74,148 21,495 214,339

Spelthorne 41.2 17.1 58.2 4,410 129,969 16,311 349,290

Wycombe 81.0 34.9 115.9 4,782 59,100 18,021 302,004

South East 3825.2 1866.2 5691.4 4,477 70,434 15,536 450,448

Great Britain 22973.4 12248.4 35221.8 4,152 68,487 15,384 656,276


8.46 Slough typically performs poorly in terms of residual household waste and recycling. An

average of 814 kg of residual waste are produced per head – considerably higher than in

RBWM and the majority of benchmark areas. The rate of recycling of household waste (26%)

is also well below the rate seen in RBWM and in other benchmark geographies.

Figure 8‐14: Recycling and Waste – 2008/09

Residual household waste per head (kg)

% Household waste recycled & composted

% Municipal waste landfilled

Slough 814 25.68 76.37

RBWM 708 36.1 62.79

Hounslow 793 23.6 ‐

Hillingdon 719 35.32 ‐

Reading 693 34.55 64.75

South Bucks 579 41.14 ‐

Spelthorne 547 31.24 ‐

Wycombe 537 44.02 ‐

West Berkshire 835 33.81 65.61


Dynamics between Economic Growth and Environmental Sustainability

Local environment performance is closely linked to local economic characteristics and social

characteristics. High levels of energy consumption in Slough are likely to be linked to the high

levels (and types of activity) on Slough Trading Estate, whilst high levels of domestic energy

consumption in RBWM are likely to reflect housing and household characteristics described

previously. As such, the drive to achieve improved performance across a range of environmental

indicators in East Berkshire will largely be dictated by how a range of local social and economic


Page 197

characteristics develop in coming years.

On the demand side, market intelligence suggests that traditional manufacturing industries will

continue their general trajectory of decline in future years. The decline of traditional

manufacturing, however, may be tempered by increasing activity in the advanced manufacturing

sector – which typically comprises activities which are less environmentally ’dirty’ than heavy

manufacturing. This is likely to be especially the case in East Berkshire, which already has core

strengths in advanced manufacturing, especially on and around Slough Trading Estate.

Much focus has been placed on the likely future economic importance of the ‘environmental

technologies’ or ‘green’ sector. The global market for low carbon and environmental goods and

services (LCEGS) was worth £3 trillion in 2007/08. Of this, the UK low carbon environmental

goods and services (LCEGS) market is worth £106 billion and employs 880,000 people directly or

through the supply chain. The UK LCEGS sector was one of the few areas of the economy

expected to maintain positive growth rates through the economic downturn and is expected to

grow by over 4% per annum up to 2014/15. The sector is already relatively strong in East

Berkshire (and in Slough in particular), providing around 3,200 jobs (2% of all jobs) – higher than

the regional and national averages. There is scope to develop the environmental services sector

further in future years, especially on the basis of servicing the needs of the local population,

working in a cross‐cutting way through other larger, local sectors to support those firms with low

carbon ambitions.

In considering the impact of economic growth on environmental performance, it is important to

consider labour market dynamics within East Berkshire. As discussed previously, the area is

subject to large scale movements of people travelling to work. These movements have important

implications in terms of transport use and hence carbon emissions. Helping local people to access

jobs more locally – and on the flip side of this helping employers to recruit more local residents,

will be key to efforts to improve levels of labour market containment and hence sustainability in

future years.

Linkages and Dynamics Underpinning Sustainable Economic Growth in East Berkshire

8.47 Alongside labour market and quality of life factors, physical environment and infrastructure

factors play an important role in defining East Berkshires functional economic geographies.

8.48 East Berkshire’s proximity to Heathrow and London as well as a strong transport

infrastructure make the area attractive to businesses (enabling supply chain and more

general business linkages) and facilitate the labour market flows and dynamics described

previously. The physical environment itself is a strong contributing factor to the perceived

high quality of life in the area.

8.49 Going forward, these factors will become increasingly important in the functioning of the

local economy – and in efforts to achieve sustainable economic growth. As discussed

previously, given increasing pressures from competing locations across the globe, existing

competitive advantages of the local economy will need to be maximised. In East Berkshire,

the strong local economy will to a certain extent depend upon strong physical linkages and

infrastructure being retained and enhanced. Challenges exist in this respect. Local road and

rail infrastructure is already operating close to capacity, whilst well document challenges

remain accommodating future capacity growth at Heathrow airport.

8.50 Simultaneously, it is important to consider the environmental impact of the lack of labour


Page 198

market containment in the local economy. The scale of the commuter flows across East

Berkshire and the wider sub region – as a result of transport connections and resultant

location of jobs – have significant environmental implications. Whilst the size of the available

labour market is one of the areas core strengths, if future economic growth is to be sought

in a sustainable manner, focus will need to be placed on improving levels of labour market

containment. In practise, this will mean continuing to work with employers to highlight the

benefit of employing local people and working with residents to ensure that they have the

right skills set to enter local employment.

8.51 Significant challenges also exist around future physical development activity in East

Berkshire. Development constraints affect both Slough (there is limited scope for the urban

area to expand naturally given the Borough’s tight boundaries) and RBWM (a combination of

green belt, flooding and conservation constraints) – and are likely to have a real impact

future provision of housing and business accommodation.

8.52 The potential impacts of these constraints on the local labour markets and business bases is

clear and as such, the response to these constraints and challenges will ultimately shape

both the future demand for and supply of labour in East Berkshire.


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9. Understanding East Berkshire’s Functional Economic Geography

9.1 The previous chapters have highlighted how the economic and social characteristics of East

Berkshire are underpinned by numerous dependencies, linkages and dynamics which

operate across a range of geographical scales. Together, these flows define East Berkshire’s

Functional Economic Geography and dictate how the area is actually experienced by

businesses, residents and visitors alike.

9.2 Some of the most important flows are summarised below:

Supply chain and business linkages – firms located in East Berkshire have developed

supply chains with other firms locally and in neighbouring boroughs (particularly in

Hillingdon with Heathrow Airport located here and this relationship is supported by

‘Meet the Buyer’ events). It has not been possible to develop a fully accurate picture

of the depth and strength of these relationships; however this is an extremely

important dynamic in supporting small and large firms alike.

Labour Market flows – At its very core, the East Berkshire economy is underpinned

by significant travel to work movements – existing both internally within East

Berkshire, but also transcending the area’s boundaries. The strength of the local

economy is built upon the availability of highly skilled labour. In total East Berkshire

and its neighbouring local authorities provide a labour pool of over half a million

economically active residents and over quarter of a million working age residents

qualified to degree level or higher. The willingness of residents to travel to work

(combined with quality of life factors) and the demand for suitable employees

means that in practice, local authority boundaries are largely disregarded by


The dependencies which exist within East Berkshire are best illustrated through

consideration of Slough. Slough’s strong local economy is dependent upon the

supply of highly skilled labour from surrounding local authority areas. Without the

presence of this, the area would struggle to retain and attract investment. However,

it is also important to note that the areas providing the highly skilled labour – areas

such as RBWM – are currently dependent upon Slough to provide suitable jobs for

their residents. In the absence of these, highly skilled and mobile residents would

move elsewhere. It is a two way dependency. On the flip side, a high number of

lower skilled Slough residents commute out of the Borough to work – to locations

such as Heathrow. As such, the future wellbeing of Slough and its residents is

dependent upon the continuing provision of jobs in other areas.

Leisure flows – leisure flows play an important role in defining local economic

performance in East Berkshire. This is especially relevant in terms of RBWMs visitor

economy. It is estimated that 6.3 million day trips and 602,000 overnight trips were

made to RBWM in 2008. It is estimated that the local visitor economy supports

around 5,900 FTE jobs in the Borough (equating to 7,935 actual jobs) and business

turnover of around £511.4 million. The demographic of visitors varies significantly.


Page 200

RBWM’s tourist attractions attract visitors from across the UK and from locations

across the world. Business tourism is a strength in Windsor, and Maidenhead and

Ascot also attract visitors from across the UK.

However, there are also a number of more local flows that are important to

acknowledge. Retail flows vary throughout East Berkshire – anecdotally Windsor has

a successful and high end retail offer which attracts visitors from a relatively wide

region. Maidenhead and Slough town centres currently act more as local service

centres for the local population. On the flip side, a number of successful shopping

locations outside East Berkshire – including Reading and High Wycombe – result in

movements out of the area. The night time economy also results in movements of

people across East Berkshire. Again, Windsor is perceived to have a relatively strong

offer in this respect, attracting people from a relatively wide area. This is less the

case in Slough and Maidenhead.

Service flows – Service provision also results in significant flows of people within and

across East Berkshire. This is especially the case in terms of education – in Slough for

example, the presence of a number of strongly performing schools results in the

daily movement of pupils into the area. Other flows result from the location of

further and adult education facilities within the area. Meanwhile, the lack of a major

HE presence results in large outflows of young people. In Slough, anecdotal evidence

suggests that this often happens on a daily basis – students in many communities

continue to live at home whilst attending university in London. Other service flows in

East Berkshire include those relating to health – dictated by the location of GP and

Hospital facilities.

9.3 These flows are underpinned by a number of overarching factors which ultimately define

why and how these movements are played out:

The Location of Business and Demand for Labour – Many of the dynamics affecting

East Berkshire are dictated by the locational decisions of businesses, and hence the

demand for employment. Whilst there are four main employment centres in East

Berkshire – Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead town centres and Slough Trading

Estate – the types of activity vary in each of these locations. As discussed previously,

the Slough Trading Estate is typically characterised by higher value added activities –

and hence typically demands relatively high skills levels from its workforce. As a

result, the Slough Trading Estate acts as a strong ‘pull’ for labour from across the sub

region. Similarly, the presence of a concentration of lower skilled jobs at locations

outside East Berkshire such as Heathrow, acts as a strong pull for Slough residents

with lower skills levels. These labour market flows highlight the important

dependencies which exist across a relatively wide geographical area.

Quality of Life factors – Quality of life factors play an important role in defining East

Berkshires functional economic geographies. As discussed in the previous chapter,

East Berkshire and the wider area is characterised by multiple labour market

linkages and dependencies which underpin the functioning of the local economy.

Quality of life factors also underpin these dependencies, with relatively highly skilled

and affluent residents attracted to live in locations such as RBWM by the high

quality living environment, strong housing quality and prestigious image of the area.


Page 201

By contrast, Slough – perceived to offer a lower quality of life and lower quality

housing stock – is characterised by the presence of lower skilled and less affluent

residents. The comparatively low cost living locally (combined with the location and

the availability of jobs) has also made Slough an appealing and to convenient

gateway to the country for migrants. As this suggests, housing markets play a

particularly important role in defining sub‐regional dynamics – and as such, going

forward, how housing markets operate and change will help to shape local economic

performance. Under increasing pressures from competing locations across the

globe, existing competitive advantages of the local economy will need to be

maximised. In East Berkshire, the strong local economy will to a certain extent

depend upon the local labour market being retained and enhanced. However, the

extent to which this can be achieved will depend upon the ability of the local area to

accommodate population and housing growth. As discussed in the next chapter,

there exist significant constraints in this respect across East Berkshire.

The Physical Environment and Infrastructure – East Berkshire’s proximity to

Heathrow and London and strong transport infrastructure, make the area attractive

to businesses (enabling supply chain and more general business linkages) and

facilitate the labour market flows and dynamics described previously. The physical

environment itself is a strong contributing factor to the perceived high quality of life

in the area. Going forward, these factors will become increasingly important in the

functioning of the local economy. As discussed previously, given increasing pressures

from competing locations across the globe, existing competitive advantages of the

local economy will need to be maximised. In East Berkshire, the strong local

economy will to a certain extent depend upon strong physical linkages and

infrastructure being retained and enhanced. Challenges exist in this respect. Local

road and rail infrastructure is already operating close to capacity, whilst well

document challenges remain accommodating future capacity growth at Heathrow

airport. Significant challenges also exist around future physical development activity

in East Berkshire. Development constraints affect both Slough (there is limited scope

for the urban area to expand naturally given the Borough’s tight boundaries) and

RBWM (a combination of green belt, flooding and conservation constraints) – and

are likely to have a real impact future provision of housing and business

accommodation.

9.4 Fully recognising the scale and nature of the trends described above is a key process in

understanding local economic performance.


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10. SWOT Analysis

10.1 In order to draw out the key points from the analysis above, we have carried out an

assessment of the ‘strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats’ (SWOT). For ease of

interpretation for different partners, these have been divided into separate SWOT’s for East

Berkshire and the Functional Economic Area, Slough and RBWM.

East Berkshire and it’s Functional Economic Area: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats

Table 10‐1: East Berkshire Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats Analysis

STREGNTHS WEAKNESSES

One of the UK’s largest economic areas and a key driver of wealth generation in the SE region, accounting for 15% of total output in 2008. Strong recent and projected growth in GVA.

Very high GVA per worker of £58,000 (more than 10,000 per worker greater than the GB average.

Very high job density and concentration of employment in some high value sectors (telecommunications, manufacturing or pharmaceuticals)

A large labour pool – around 173,00 working age residents in East Berks, and across the FEA of nearly 700,000

A large pool of highly skilled labour – nearly 50,000 East Berks residents are qualified to degree level or higher, and over quarter of a million FEA residents

A large pool of active labour pool – around 138,000 people in East Berks and over half a million across the FEA

Strong connectivity to locations throughout the South East and world as a result of location and transport infrastructure

A large labour pool – around 173,00 working age residents in East Berks, and across the FEA of nearly 700,000

A large pool of highly skilled labour – nearly 50,000 East Berks residents are qualified to degree level or higher, and over quarter of a million FEA residents

A large pool of active labour pool – around 138,000 people in East Berks and over half a million across the FEA

Strong connectivity to locations throughout the South East and world as a result of location and transport infrastructure

Contraction of employment in town centres represents a significant issue for East Berkshire.

Very heavily reliant on finance and business services for employment and GVA generation. Leaves the area vulnerable to structural economic changes.

High levels of labour market disparity within East Berkshire – with RBWM typically performing strongly and Slough less well

Physical development constraints throughout East Berkshire

Weaker transport infrastructure / links on a north to south axis

Road and rail transport infrastructure already operating at close to capacity

High levels of labour market disparity within East Berkshire – with RBWM typically performing strongly and Slough less well

Physical development constraints throughout East Berkshire

Weaker transport infrastructure / links on a north to south axis


OPPORTUNITIES THREATS

Opportunities to build on concentrations of employment in high value sectors (IT and Software, telecommunications) as well as sufficient activity in other sectors (e.g. life sciences) on which to build.

Private sector led economy puts East Berkshire in a

Competition from emerging economies may threaten competitiveness for FDI. Currently a strong presence of European HQs / Hubs for global businesses – needs to be actively maintained.

Physical development constraints throughout East


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strong position to weather the worst of the public sector spending cuts and emerge from recession.

Transport infrastructure projects such as Crossrail have the potential to reinforce East Berkshire competitive advantage

Establishment of the Thames Valley Berkshire LEP – an opportunity to articulate and promotes the collective strength of the sub‐region

Transport infrastructure projects such as Crossrail have the potential to reinforce East Berkshire competitive advantage

Establishment of the Thames Valley Berkshire LEP – an opportunity to articulate and promotes the collective strength of the sub‐region

Berkshire has the potential to effect both businesses and residents and thus future economic growth

Increasing levels of economic completion from locations across the globe

Physical development constraints throughout East Berkshire has the potential to effect both businesses and residents and thus future economic growth

Increasing levels of economic completion from locations across the globe


Page 204

Slough: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats

Table 10‐2: Slough Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats Analysis

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES

High value economy – concentration of employment in higher value sectors, GVA per worker looks set to continue to rise.

Concentrations of high value employment on STE (particularly in higher value manufacturing and telecommunications)

Strong connectivity as a result of location and transport infrastructure

A relatively large working age population

High levels of in‐migration boosting local workforce

Strong performance in Slough secondary schools

High rates of progression to further and higher education

Strong connectivity as a result of location and transport infrastructure

A relatively large working age population

High levels of in‐migration boosting local workforce

Strong performance in Slough secondary schools

High rates of progression to further and higher education

Particularly large contraction of employment in Slough Town Centre (almost 4,000 jobs between 2003 and 2008)

Very low enterprise rates (linked to financial barriers and lack of suitable premises for start up businesses) and much lower business survival rates than RBWM.

Over reliance on large firms for employment.

Continued dominance of full time employment is linked to the borough’s high value economy, but causes some issues around access to employment for women and ethnic groups. Low levels of economic activity – particularly amongst certain groups including ethnic minority women

Low levels of skills amongst residents

Gap between workforce skills and residents skills resulting

Strong commuting flows into and out of the Borough – environmental and infrastructure consequences

Concentrations of relative multiple deprivation in locations such as Chalvey

Large disparity between workforce and residents earnings and generally low earning for residents

Persistence of health related issues

High levels of recorded crime and fear of crime.


Slough suffers a relatively poor image

Relatively poor quality housing stock making it difficult to attract / retain highly skilled and high earning residents

High levels of population transience – difficult to measure comings and goings and establish needs

High levels of HMO as a result of in‐migration

Low levels of economic activity – particularly amongst certain groups including ethnic minority women

Low levels of skills amongst residents

Gap between workforce skills and residents skills resulting

Strong commuting flows into and out of the Borough – environmental and infrastructure consequences

Concentrations of relative multiple deprivation in locations such as Chalvey

Large disparity between workforce and residents earnings and generally low earning for residents

Persistence of health related issues

High levels of recorded crime and fear of crime.


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Slough suffers a relatively poor image

Relatively poor quality housing stock making it difficult to attract / retain highly skilled and high earning residents

High levels of population transience – difficult to measure comings and goings and establish needs

High levels of HMO as a result of in‐migration


Transport infrastructure projects such as Crossrail and western access to Heathrow have the potential to reinforce Slough’s competitive advantage

The Heart of Slough scheme offers the opportunity of town centre renewal and improvement of the towns images as a place to work and live

Transport infrastructure projects such as Crossrail and western access to Heathrow have the potential to reinforce Slough’s competitive advantage

The Heart of Slough scheme offers the opportunity of town centre renewal and improvement of the towns images as a place to work and live

Declining employment on the older side of STE. This is linked to continued decline of employment in manufacturing (particularly more traditional manufacturing)

Over reliance on large businesses for employment could heighten the potential impact of loss of employment amongst these much larger companies.

Employment forecasts suggest that Slough is set to lose ground to RBWM.

Physical development constraints in Slough have the potential to inhibit further urban growth and housing market renewal with labour market impact

The loss of major businesses and HQ functions (and hence employment) the result of increasing levels of competition from location across the globe

High levels immigration and population transience difficult to measure – hard to identify needs and secure appropriate funding

Physical development constraints in Slough have the potential to inhibit further urban growth and housing market renewal with labour market impact

The loss of major businesses and HQ functions (and hence employment) the result of increasing levels of competition from location across the globe

High levels immigration and population transience difficult to measure – hard to identify needs and secure appropriate funding


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RBWM: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats

Table 10‐3: RBWM Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats Analysis

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES

Very buoyant in terms of enterprise rates. Very strong VAT registration rates and self employment rates (in particular to the South of the region and around Ascot).

A strong tourism sector, with some visitor attractions (Windsor Castle, Legoland) and key location advantages (proximity to London, Heathrow airport etc).

High levels of economic activity and employment

High levels of skills amongst residents, with associated high levels of earnings

Relatively healthy population

Relatively low levels of crime

Perception of RBWM as a prestigious place to live and do business

High levels of economic activity and employment

High levels of skills amongst residents, with associated high levels of earnings

Relatively healthy population

Relatively low levels of crime

Perception of RBWM as a prestigious place to live and do business

Road and rail transport infrastructure already operating at close to capacity. Parking and congestion a particular issue in Windsor

Declining performance in Maidenhead Town Centre in recent years

Strong commuting flows out of the Borough – environmental and infrastructure consequences

Relatively low uptake of leisure and hospitality jobs amongst local residents

Road and rail transport infrastructure already operating at close to capacity. Parking and congestion a particular issue in Windsor

Declining performance in Maidenhead Town Centre in recent years

Strong commuting flows out of the Borough – environmental and infrastructure consequences

Relatively low uptake of leisure and hospitality jobs amongst local residents


Strong base of small businesses, entrepreneurial population.

Transport infrastructure projects such as Crossrail, have the potential to reinforce RBWM’s competitive advantage

In Maidenhead, PROM and the new area action plan have the potential to revitalize the town centre both physically and economically

The 2012 Olympics and the potential legacy in terms of increased visitor numbers

RBWM as a Big Society Vanguard Area – opportunity to develop innovative projects which reengage communities

Transport infrastructure projects such as Crossrail, have the potential to reinforce RBWM’s competitive advantage

In Maidenhead, PROM and the new area action plan have the potential to revitalize the town centre both physically and economically

The 2012 Olympics and the potential legacy in terms of increased visitor numbers

RBWM as a Big Society Vanguard Area – opportunity to develop innovative projects which reengage communities

Declining employment around Ascot. Loss of employment between 2003‐8 represented 40% of the total for the SOA

Physical development constraints throughout RBWM have the potential to impact upon the provision of new commercial and residential accommodations, with impacts for both businesses and the labour market

Low levels of housing affordability force existing residents and first time buyers away

Physical development constraints throughout RBWM have the potential to impact upon the provision of new commercial and residential accommodations, with impacts for both businesses and the labour market

Low levels of housing affordability force existing residents and first time buyers away


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Appendix A : Sector Data in Detail


Page 208

Table 10‐4: East Berkshire Local Authorities and comparators ‐ Employment by broad industrial sector

Slough Windsor

and M’head Hillingdon Hounslow Reading South Bucks Spelthorne Wycombe

East

Berkshire

Thames

Valley LEP South East GB

Manufacturing

Employees (000s) 9.1 3.7 7.5 4.5 5.0 1.9 2.0 7.2 12.8 30.3 305.9 2,709.1

% of total 12% 5% 4% 4% 5% 6% 5% 10% 9% 8% 8% 10%

LQ vs South East 1.5 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.7 1.2 1.0 0.9 1.0 1.2

LQ vs GB 1.2 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.5 0.9 0.8 0.8 0.8 1.0

Construction

Employees (000s) 3.3 5.0 5.5 4.2 1.9 1.4 2.5 3.7 8.2 15.5 169.6 1,268.8

% of total 4% 7% 3% 3% 2% 5% 7% 5% 5% 4% 5% 5%

LQ vs South East 1.0 1.5 0.6 0.8 0.4 1.0 1.5 1.1 1.2 0.9 1.0 1.1

LQ vs GB 0.9 1.4 0.6 0.7 0.4 1.0 1.4 1.0 1.1 0.8 0.9 1.0

Distrib, hotels

and

restaurants

Employees (000s) 16.7 18.6 39.6 29.3 21.6 9.8 9.4 19.5 35.3 98.2 924.1 6,229.5

% of total 22% 25% 21% 24% 22% 32% 26% 26% 23% 25% 25% 24%

LQ vs South East 0.9 1.0 0.8 1.0 0.9 1.3 1.0 1.0 0.9 1.0 1.0 0.9

LQ vs GB 0.9 1.1 0.9 1.0 0.9 1.3 1.1 1.1 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.0

Transport and

comms

Employees (000s) 11.3 4.0 67.0 16.0 7.6 1.4 3.7 3.7 15.3 33.1 221.1 1,547.9

% of total 15% 5% 36% 13% 8% 5% 10% 5% 10% 8% 6% 6%

LQ vs South East 2.5 0.9 6.0 2.2 1.3 0.8 1.7 0.8 1.7 1.4 1.0 1.0

LQ vs GB 2.6 0.9 6.1 2.3 1.3 0.8 1.7 0.8 1.7 1.4 1.0 1.0

Banking,

finance and

insurance

Employees (000s) 20.0 23.5 35.5 33.9 33.4 8.2 10.1 21.7 43.5 121.5 903.1 5,870.8

% of total 26% 31% 19% 28% 34% 26% 28% 29% 29% 31% 24% 22%

LQ vs South East 1.1 1.3 0.8 1.2 1.4 1.1 1.1 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.0 0.9

LQ vs GB 1.2 1.4 0.8 1.3 1.5 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.3 1.4 1.1 1.0

Public admin

Employees (000s) 12.0 14.5 28.3 20.7 22.1 5.4 6.4 15.0 26.5 72.4 960.6 7,208.5

% of total 16% 19% 15% 17% 23% 17% 18% 20% 18% 18% 26% 27%

LQ vs South East 0.6 0.7 0.6 0.7 0.9 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.7 0.7 1.0 1.1

LQ vs GB 0.6 0.7 0.6 0.6 0.8 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.6 0.7 0.9 1.0

Other services

Employees (000s) 2.6 5.4 4.4 12.4 5.0 2.8 2.4 4.8 7.9 20.7 212.0 1,408.3

% of total 3% 7% 2% 10% 5% 9% 7% 6% 5% 5% 6% 5%

LQ vs South East 0.6 1.3 0.4 1.8 0.9 1.6 1.1 1.1 0.9 0.9 1.0 0.9

LQ vs GB 0.6 1.3 0.4 1.9 1.0 1.7 1.2 1.2 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.0

Source: Annual Business Inquiry Workplace Analysis. ONS Nomis (www.nomisweb.co.uk) © Crown Copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the controller of HMSO Note: Agriculture and Fishing sectors (SIC A and B)

and Energy and Water (SIC C) have been excluded due to data confidentiality


Page 209


Slough Town Centre


Windsor and Eton

M’head Basingstoke High Wycombe

Hounslow Reading Uxbridge East Berks GB

Manufacturing

Employees (000s) 0.3 4.7 0.2 0.7 0.3 0.2 0.1 2.4 1.1 12.8 2,709.1

% of total 2% 28% 1% 4% 2% 1% 1% 6% 6% 10% 10%

LQ vs East Berks 0.2 2.8 0.1 0.4 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.6 0.6 1.0 1.0

LQ vs GB 0.2 2.8 0.1 0.4 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.6 0.6 1.0 1.0

Construction

Employees (000s) 0.6 1.0 0.1 2.0 0.2 0.5 0.0 0.5 0.0 1,268.8 1,268.8

% of total 4% 6% 1% 13% 1% 3% 0% 1% 0% 5% 5%

LQ vs East Berks 0.8 1.2 0.2 2.8 0.2 0.7 0.1 0.2 0.0 1.0 1.0

LQ vs GB 0.8 1.2 0.2 2.8 0.2 0.7 0.1 0.2 0.0 1.0 1.0

Distrib, hotels and

restaurants

Employees (000s) 4.0 3.6 3.7 4.5 4.0 3.4 3.7 10.8 5.4 6,229.5 6,229.5

% of total 27% 22% 33% 30% 25% 22% 34% 26% 31% 24% 24%

LQ vs East Berks 1.1 0.9 1.4 1.3 1.0 0.9 1.4 1.1 1.3 1.0 1.0

LQ vs GB 1.1 0.9 1.4 1.3 1.0 0.9 1.4 1.1 1.3 1.0 1.0

Transport and

comms

Employees (000s) 1.8 2.5 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.9 1.9 3.4 0.9 1,547.9 1,547.9

% of total 12% 15% 5% 3% 2% 6% 17% 8% 5% 6% 6%

LQ vs East Berks 2.0 2.6 0.8 0.4 0.3 1.1 2.9 1.4 0.9 1.0 1.0

LQ vs GB 2.0 2.6 0.8 0.4 0.3 1.1 2.9 1.4 0.9 1.0 1.0

Banking, finance

and insurance

Employees (000s) 5.9 4.3 3.8 5.2 6.0 4.2 3.1 16.2 5.4 5,870.8 5,870.8

% of total 39% 26% 34% 34% 36% 28% 28% 39% 31% 22% 22%

LQ vs East Berks 1.8 1.2 1.5 1.5 1.6 1.2 1.3 1.8 1.4 1.0 1.0

LQ vs GB 1.8 1.2 1.5 1.5 1.6 1.2 1.3 1.8 1.4 1.0 1.0

Public admin

Employees (000s) 2.2 0.2 2.0 1.8 1.5 5.5 1.7 6.3 3.8 7,208.5 7,208.5

% of total 14% 1% 18% 12% 9% 36% 15% 15% 22% 27% 27%

LQ vs East Berks 0.5 0.0 0.7 0.4 0.3 1.3 0.6 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.0

LQ vs GB 0.5 0.0 0.7 0.4 0.3 1.3 0.6 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.0

Other services

Employees (000s) 0.3 0.3 0.8 0.5 4.2 0.5 0.5 1.5 0.5 1,408.3 1,408.3

% of total 2% 2% 7% 4% 25% 3% 4% 4% 3% 5% 5%

LQ vs East Berks 0.4 0.3 1.4 0.7 4.8 0.6 0.8 0.7 0.6 1.0 1.0

LQ vs GB 0.4 0.3 1.4 0.7 4.8 0.6 0.8 0.7 0.6 1.0 1.0


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Table 10‐6: East Berkshire town centres and comparators ‐ top ten sectors by 2 digit SIC (2008)

Slough Windsor


East

Berkshire

Thames


Other business

activities

Employees (000s) 12.2 13.5 22.1 20.9 17.1 12.2 4.7 5.8 25.7 64.2 513.7 3,489.9

% of total 16% 18% 12% 17% 18% 16% 15% 16% 17% 16% 14% 13%

% change 2003‐08 14% ‐14% 2% 13% 21% 14% 18% 4% ‐2% 1% 14% 22%

LQ vs South East 1.2 1.3 0.8 1.2 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.1 1.2 1.2 1.0 1.0

LQ vs GB 1.2 1.4 0.9 1.3 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.2 1.0 1.0

Retail trade

Employees (000s) 6.1 7.7 13.3 10.9 10.9 6.1 2.8 4.5 13.9 37.3 401.4 2,791.6

% of total 8% 10% 7% 9% 11% 8% 9% 12% 9% 9% 11% 11%

% change 2003‐08 ‐12% 24% 10% 7% ‐8% ‐12% 5% ‐12% 5% ‐6% ‐8% ‐5%

LQ vs South East 0.8 1.0 0.7 0.8 1.0 0.8 0.8 1.1 0.9 0.9 1.0 1.0

LQ vs GB 0.8 1.0 0.7 0.8 1.1 0.8 0.8 1.2 0.9 0.9 1.0 1.0

Health and

social work

Employees (000s) 5.8 5.8 9.8 7.9 11.2 5.8 2.9 2.4 11.6 31.2 433.0 3,282.3

% of total 8% 8% 5% 7% 11% 8% 9% 7% 8% 8% 12% 12%

% change 2003‐08 25% 12% 31% 10% 3% 25% 23% ‐14% 18% 5% 12% 11%

LQ vs South East 0.7 0.7 0.4 0.6 1.0 0.7 0.8 0.6 0.7 0.7 1.0 1.1

LQ vs GB 0.6 0.6 0.4 0.5 0.9 0.6 0.8 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.9 1.0

Education

Employees (000s) 4.7 6.7 10.0 7.0 5.3 4.7 1.9 2.7 11.4 28.1 368.7 2,485.4

% of total 6% 9% 5% 6% 5% 6% 6% 7% 8% 7% 10% 9%

% change 2003‐08 ‐7% 10% 31% ‐20% ‐24% ‐7% 8% 28% 2% 4% 10% 7%

LQ vs South East 0.6 0.9 0.5 0.6 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.7 1.0 0.9

LQ vs GB 0.7 0.9 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.8 0.8 1.1 1.0

Wholesale

trade and

commissioning

Employees (000s) 5.7 4.0 10.2 9.4 3.3 5.7 3.5 1.7 9.6 29.0 183.5 1,114.6

% of total 8% 5% 5% 8% 3% 8% 11% 5% 6% 7% 5% 4%

% change 2003‐08 ‐10% 9% 9% ‐8% ‐44% ‐10% 78% ‐22% ‐3% 9% ‐2% 1%

LQ vs South East 1.5 1.1 1.1 1.6 0.7 1.5 2.3 0.9 1.3 1.5 1.0 0.9

LQ vs GB 1.8 1.3 1.3 1.8 0.8 1.8 2.7 1.1 1.5 1.7 1.2 1.0

Computer

related

activities

Employees (000s) 3.5 5.6 5.4 7.1 7.0 3.5 1.2 1.9 9.1 26.6 144.9 548.6

% of total 5% 7% 3% 6% 7% 5% 4% 5% 6% 7% 4% 2%

% change 2003‐08 ‐2% ‐9% ‐4% 30% 71% ‐2% ‐21% ‐27% ‐6% 3% 17% 14%

LQ vs South East 1.2 1.9 0.7 1.5 1.8 1.2 1.0 1.3 1.6 1.7 1.0 0.5

LQ vs GB 2.2 3.6 1.4 2.8 3.5 2.2 1.8 2.5 2.9 3.3 1.9 1.0


Page 211


Slough Windsor


East

Berkshire

Thames


Hotels and

restaurants

Employees (000s) 2.7 6.0 13.3 6.6 5.9 2.7 2.7 2.5 8.8 24.3 254.9 1,802.4

% of total 4% 8% 7% 5% 6% 4% 9% 7% 6% 6% 7% 7%

% change 2003‐08 ‐22% 1% 4% ‐6% 12% ‐22% ‐9% ‐12% ‐7% ‐2% 4% 4%

LQ vs South East 0.5 1.2 1.0 0.8 0.9 0.5 1.2 1.0 0.9 0.9 1.0 1.0

LQ vs GB 0.5 1.2 1.0 0.8 0.9 0.5 1.3 1.0 0.9 0.9 1.0 1.0

Post and

telecommunic

ations

Employees (000s) 6.6 1.9 2.6 6.2 4.2 6.6 0.5 0.7 8.5 20.4 71.9 452.0

% of total 9% 3% 1% 5% 4% 9% 1% 2% 6% 5% 2% 2%

% change 2003‐08 45% ‐47% ‐22% 16% ‐31% 45% ‐50% 22% 4% ‐14% ‐14% ‐12%

LQ vs South East 4.5 1.3 0.7 2.6 2.2 4.5 0.8 1.0 2.9 2.7 1.0 0.9

LQ vs GB 5.1 1.5 0.8 3.0 2.5 5.1 0.9 1.1 3.3 3.0 1.1 1.0

Construction

Employees (000s) 3.3 5.0 5.5 4.2 1.9 3.3 1.4 2.5 8.2 15.5 169.6 1,268.8

% of total 4% 7% 3% 3% 2% 4% 5% 7% 5% 4% 5% 5%

% change 2003‐08 43% 80% 0% ‐6% ‐30% 43% 60% 43% 64% 18% 14% 11%

LQ vs South East 1.0 1.5 0.6 0.8 0.4 1.0 1.0 1.5 1.2 0.9 1.0 1.1

LQ vs GB 0.9 1.4 0.6 0.7 0.4 0.9 1.0 1.4 1.1 0.8 0.9 1.0

Recreation,

culture and

sport

Employees (000s) 1.4 3.1 2.1 10.3 2.5 1.4 1.8 1.3 4.4 11.8 108.1 750.8

% of total 2% 4% 1% 9% 3% 2% 6% 4% 3% 3% 3% 3%

% change 2003‐08 36% 6% 11% 45% 19% 36% 16% 19% 14% 28% 11% 7%

LQ vs South East 0.6 1.4 0.4 2.9 0.9 0.6 1.9 1.2 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0

LQ vs GB 0.6 1.4 0.4 3.0 0.9 0.6 2.0 1.2 1.0 1.1 1.0 1.0

% of employment in all sectors 67% 67% 75% 49% 66% 69% 67% 69% 67% 71% 70% 68%

% change overall 2003 ‐ 8 2% 2% 3% 12% 1% ‐2% 2% 7% ‐8% 2% 1% 3%


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Table 10‐7: East Berkshire Town centres – top ten employment sectors (2 digit SIC)

Slough Town Centre


Windsor and Eton

M’head Basingstoke

High Wycombe


Other business

activities

Employees (000s) 4.3 2.1 2.1 3.1 3.4 2.5 2.0 10.6 3.9 25.7 3,489.9

% of total 28% 13% 19% 21% 21% 16% 19% 25% 22% 17% 13%

% change 2003‐08 9% ‐21% ‐34% ‐26% 6% ‐64% ‐6% 45% 13% ‐2% 22%

LQ vs South East 2.2 1.0 1.4 1.6 1.6 1.2 1.4 1.9 1.7 1.3 1.0

LQ vs GB 2.2 1.0 1.4 1.6 1.6 1.2 1.4 1.9 1.7 1.3 1.0

Retail trade

Employees (000s) 2.7 0.7 1.7 3.1 2.9 1.7 2.4 7.0 2.4 13.9 2,791.6

% of total 18% 4% 15% 20% 18% 11% 22% 17% 13% 9% 11%

% change 2003‐08 ‐28% 6% ‐18% 53% ‐2% ‐39% ‐11% ‐14% ‐14% 5% ‐5%

LQ vs South East 1.7 0.4 1.4 1.9 1.7 1.0 2.1 1.6 1.3 0.9 1.0

LQ vs GB 1.7 0.4 1.4 1.9 1.7 1.0 2.1 1.6 1.3 0.9 1.0

Health and

social work

Employees (000s) 0.7 0.1 0.3 0.5 0.5 2.7 0.4 1.4 0.3 11.6 3,282.3

% of total 5% 1% 3% 3% 3% 17% 4% 3% 2% 8% 12%

% change 2003‐08 38% 141% ‐39% ‐12% 89% 6% 10% ‐9% ‐22% 18% 11%

LQ vs South East 0.4 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.3 1.4 0.3 0.3 0.1 0.6 1.0

LQ vs GB 0.4 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.3 1.4 0.3 0.3 0.1 0.6 1.0

Education

Employees (000s) 0.8 0.1 1.0 0.4 0.1 1.7 0.1 0.2 0.6 11.4 2,485.4

% of total 5% 0% 9% 2% 0% 11% 1% 0% 3% 8% 9%

% change 2003‐08 ‐51% ‐66% 5% 54% ‐57% ‐22% ‐77% ‐73% ‐17% 2% 7%

LQ vs South East 0.6 0.0 1.0 0.3 0.0 1.2 0.1 0.0 0.3 0.8 1.0

LQ vs GB 0.6 0.0 1.0 0.3 0.0 1.2 0.1 0.0 0.3 0.8 1.0

Wholesale

trade and

commissioning

Employees (000s) 0.6 2.0 0.3 0.7 0.1 0.4 0.7 0.6 2.3 9.6 1,114.6

% of total 4% 12% 3% 5% 1% 3% 6% 1% 13% 6% 4%

% change 2003‐08 ‐59% ‐10% 11% 46% ‐76% ‐55% 54% ‐47% 69% ‐3% 1%

LQ vs South East 0.9 2.8 0.6 1.2 0.2 0.6 1.5 0.3 3.0 1.5 1.0

LQ vs GB 0.9 2.8 0.6 1.2 0.2 0.6 1.5 0.3 3.0 1.5 1.0

Computer

related

activities

Employees (000s) 0.8 1.1 0.7 1.2 0.6 0.6 0.3 1.2 0.5 9.1 548.6

% of total 5% 7% 7% 8% 3% 4% 3% 3% 3% 6% 2%

% change 2003‐08 ‐6% 7% 3% ‐29% ‐46% 43% ‐21% ‐18% ‐75% ‐6% 14%

LQ vs South East 2.4 3.2 3.2 3.9 1.7 1.9 1.4 1.4 1.4 2.9 1.0


Page 213

Table 10‐7: East Berkshire Town centres – top ten employment sectors (2 digit SIC)

Slough Town Centre


Windsor and Eton

M’head Basingstoke

High Wycombe


LQ vs GB 2.4 3.2 3.2 3.9 1.7 1.9 1.4 1.4 1.4 2.9 1.0

Hotels and

restaurants

Employees (000s) 0.6 0.3 1.7 0.7 0.9 0.9 0.6 2.9 0.7 8.8 1,802.4

% of total 4% 2% 15% 4% 6% 6% 5% 7% 4% 6% 7%

% change 2003‐08 ‐18% ‐18% 15% ‐4% 76% ‐18% ‐9% 14% 43% ‐7% 4%

LQ vs South East 0.6 0.3 2.3 0.6 0.8 0.8 0.8 1.0 0.6 0.9 1.0

LQ vs GB 0.6 0.3 2.3 0.6 0.8 0.8 0.8 1.0 0.6 0.9 1.0

Post and

telecommunic

ations

Employees (000s) 1.4 2.0 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.6 0.3 1.1 0.4 8.5 452.0

% of total 9% 12% 1% 1% 1% 4% 2% 3% 2% 6% 2%

% change 2003‐08 ‐17% 68% ‐28% ‐91% 335% ‐32% 1% ‐62% 258% 4% ‐12%

LQ vs South East 5.5 7.2 0.8 0.9 0.6 2.1 1.4 1.5 1.4 3.3 1.0

LQ vs GB 5.5 7.2 0.8 0.9 0.6 2.1 1.4 1.5 1.4 3.3 1.0

Construction

Employees (000s) 0.6 1.0 0.1 2.0 0.2 0.5 0.0 0.5 0.0 8.2 1,268.8

% of total 4% 6% 1% 13% 1% 3% 0% 1% 0% 5% 5%

% change 2003‐08 179% 66% ‐2% 295% ‐59% 145% ‐81% ‐56% ‐91% 64% 11%

LQ vs South East 0.8 1.2 0.2 2.8 0.2 0.7 0.1 0.2 0.0 1.1 1.0

LQ vs GB 0.8 1.2 0.2 2.8 0.2 0.7 0.1 0.2 0.0 1.1 1.0

Recreation,

culture and

sport

Employees (000s) 0.2 0.1 0.5 0.3 0.2 0.4 0.3 0.6 0.3 4.4 750.8

% of total 1% 0% 4% 2% 1% 2% 3% 2% 2% 3% 3%

% change 2003‐08 ‐11% ‐14% 75% ‐15% ‐46% 33% 226% ‐15% ‐15% 14% 7%

LQ vs South East 0.5 0.2 1.5 0.8 0.5 0.8 1.1 0.5 0.6 1.0 1.0

LQ vs GB 0.5 0.2 1.5 0.8 0.5 0.8 1.1 0.5 0.6 1.0 1.0

% of employment in all sectors 82% 57% 73% 79% 54% 75% 62% 61% 63% 71% 65%

% change overall 2003 ‐ 8 75% ‐7% 57% ‐22% ‐4% ‐27% 2% 331% ‐32% 45% 12%


Page 214

Table 10‐8: Key sectors for East Berkshire Local Authorities

2 digit 4 digit


Number LQ vs GB

% change 2003 – 07

Number LQ vs GB

% change 2003 – 07

Number LQ vs GB

% change 2003 – 07

Other Business Activities

7415 : Management activities of holding companies 831 2.5 2% 1,403 4.3 42% 2,234 3.4 24%

7440 : Advertising 440 1.9 ‐39% 498 2.1 ‐66% 938 2.0 ‐57%

7413 : Market research and public opinion polling 105 0.6 84% 1,468 8.5 ‐43% 1,572 4.5 ‐40%

Retail

5248 : Other retail sale in specialised stores 1,362 1.3 46% 2,744 2.6 178% 4,106 1.9 114%

5211 : Retail sale in non‐specialised stores with food, beverages or tobacco predominating

1,894 0.7 ‐5% 1,950 0.7 8% 3,844 0.7 1%

5242 : Retail sale of clothing 831 0.8 ‐21% 932 0.9 ‐17% 1,763 0.8 ‐19%

5246 : Retail sale of hardware, paints and glass 505 1.9 ‐1% 172 0.6 165% 677 1.3 18%

5263 : Other non‐store retail sale 107 1.3 296% 102 1.2 62% 209 1.3 130%

Health and Social Work

8511 : Hospital activities 3,517 0.9 24% 2,170 0.5 ‐4% 5,687 0.7 12%

8532 : Social work activities without accommodation 833 0.4 80% 1,400 0.7 42% 2,233 0.5 54%

8514 : Other human health activities 650 0.6 8% 775 0.8 83% 1,425 0.7 39%

Education 8010 : Primary education 3,103 1.0 103% 2,681 0.9 21% 5,783 0.9 54%

8021 : General secondary education 295 0.2 ‐71% 2,882 1.8 10% 3,177 1.0 ‐12%

Wholesale and Commission

Trade

5146 : Wholesale of pharmaceutical goods 461 2.8 216% 794 4.9 172% 1,255 3.9 187%

5147 : Wholesale of other household goods 600 2.1 14% 670 2.4 50% 1,270 2.3 31%

5187 : Wholesale of other machinery for use in industry, trade and navigation

473 1.6 ‐29% 365 1.3 3% 838 1.4 ‐18%

5184 : Wholesale of computers, computer peripheral equipment and software

461 3.6 ‐46% 331 2.6 ‐7% 792 3.1 ‐34%

5186 : Wholesale of other electronic parts and equipment 569 5.5 42% 198 1.9 ‐19% 767 3.7 19%

Computer and related

7222 : Other software consultancy and supply 2,817 2.7 17% 4,484 4.3 ‐6% 7,301 3.5 2%

7260 : Other computer related activities 465 1.8 ‐9% 849 3.3 ‐1% 1,314 2.6 ‐4%

Post and Telecomms

6420 : Telecommunications 3,638 6.5 21% 1,473 2.6 ‐52% 5,111 4.5 ‐16%

6411 : National post activities 1,856 3.5 167% 353 0.7 4% 2,210 2.1 113%


Page 215


2 digit 4 digit


Number LQ vs GB

% change 2003 – 07

Number LQ vs GB

% change 2003 – 07

Number LQ vs GB

% change 2003 – 07

6412 : Courier activities other than national post activities 1,061 5.5 30% 74 0.4 ‐57% 1,135 3.0 15%

Other high LQ sectors


1584 : Manufacture of cocoa, chocolate and sugar confectionery

1,188 23.3 ‐30% ‐ 0.0 ‐ 1,188 11.7 ‐30%

7310 : Research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering

994 3.2 1% 905 3.0 12% 1,900 3.1 6%



9233 : Fair and amusement park activities ‐ 0.0 ‐ 796 21.2 194% 796 10.6 194%

2430 : Manufacture of paints, varnishes and similar coatings, printing ink and mastics

742 16.0 ‐4% ‐ 0.0 ‐ 742 8.0 ‐4%



Page 216

Table 10‐9: East Berkshire Local Authorities and comparators ‐ Business Units by broad industrial sector

Slough Windsor


East

Berkshire

Thames


Banking, finance and insurance,

Business Units 1,750 4,220 3,840 4,080 2,920 2,070 1,460 3,950 5,970 18,290 148,420 817,820

% of total 36% 46% 35% 40% 42% 44% 34% 42% 43% 44% 38% 33%

LQ vs South East 1.0 1.2 0.9 1.1 1.1 1.2 0.9 1.1 1.1 1.2 1.0 0.9

LQ vs GB 1.1 1.4 1.0 1.2 1.3 1.3 1.0 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.1 1.0

Distribution, hotels and restaurants

Business Units 1,340 2,070 2,980 2,600 1,860 950 1,060 2,030 3,420 9,450 96,550 664,660

% of total 28% 23% 27% 25% 27% 20% 25% 21% 24% 23% 24% 27%

LQ vs South East 1.1 0.9 1.1 1.0 1.1 0.8 1.0 0.9 1.0 0.9 1.0 1.1

LQ vs GB 1.0 0.8 1.0 0.9 1.0 0.7 0.9 0.8 0.9 0.8 0.9 1.0

Other services

Business Units 300 860 750 1,050 460 550 410 870 1,160 3,450 33,460 202,120

% of total 6% 9% 7% 10% 7% 12% 10% 9% 8% 8% 8% 8%

LQ vs South East 0.7 1.1 0.8 1.2 0.8 1.4 1.1 1.1 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0

LQ vs GB 0.8 1.1 0.8 1.2 0.8 1.4 1.2 1.1 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0

Construction

Business Units 360 610 1,220 630 490 440 480 990 970 3,640 42,780 249,460

% of total 7% 7% 11% 6% 7% 9% 11% 10% 7% 9% 11% 10%

LQ vs South East 0.7 0.6 1.0 0.6 0.7 0.9 1.0 1.0 0.6 0.8 1.0 0.9

LQ vs GB 0.7 0.7 1.1 0.6 0.7 0.9 1.1 1.0 0.7 0.9 1.1 1.0

Public admin

Business Units 310 600 690 730 560 280 270 600 900 2,830 32,350 221,130

% of total 6% 7% 6% 7% 8% 6% 6% 6% 6% 7% 8% 9%

LQ vs South East 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.9 1.0 0.7 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 1.0 1.1

LQ vs GB 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.9 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.9 1.0

Transport and comms

Business Units 470 320 950 790 260 180 350 300 790 1,830 15,190 104,220

% of total 10% 3% 9% 8% 4% 4% 8% 3% 6% 4% 4% 4%

LQ vs South East 2.5 0.9 2.2 2.0 1.0 1.0 2.1 0.8 1.5 1.1 1.0 1.1

LQ vs GB 2.3 0.8 2.0 1.8 0.9 0.9 1.9 0.7 1.3 1.0 0.9 1.0

Manufacturing

Business Units 270 420 550 400 310 190 220 620 690 2,030 22,480 155,800

% of total 6% 5% 5% 4% 4% 4% 5% 7% 5% 5% 6% 6%

LQ vs South East 1.0 0.8 0.9 0.7 0.8 0.7 0.9 1.2 0.9 0.9 1.0 1.1

LQ vs GB 0.9 0.7 0.8 0.6 0.7 0.6 0.8 1.0 0.8 0.8 0.9 1.0

Source: Annual Business Inquiry Workplace Analysis. ONS Nomis (www.nomisweb.co.uk) © Crown Copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the controller of HMSO Note: Agriculture and Fishing sectors (SIC A and B)

and Energy and Water (SIC C) have been excluded due to data confidentiality


Page 217


Slough Town Centre


Windsor and Eton



Banking, finance and insurance

Business Units 320 270 480 490 250 340 330 720 290 5,970 817,820

% of total 38% 40% 43% 44% 40% 36% 37% 39% 43% 43% 33%

LQ vs East Berks 0.9 0.9 1.0 1.0 0.9 0.8 0.9 0.9 1.0 1.0 0.8

LQ vs GB 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.3 1.0

Distribution, hotels and restaurants

Business Units 310 200 400 320 240 320 310 670 240 3,420 664,660

% of total 37% 29% 36% 29% 39% 33% 35% 37% 35% 24% 27%

LQ vs East Berks 1.5 1.2 1.5 1.2 1.6 1.4 1.4 1.5 1.4 1.0 1.1

LQ vs GB 1.4 1.1 1.3 1.1 1.4 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.3 0.9 1.0

Other services Business Units 50 30 80 80 40 70 60 110 50 1,160 202,120

% of total 6% 4% 7% 7% 6% 7% 6% 6% 7% 8% 8%

LQ vs East Berks 0.8 0.5 0.9 0.9 0.8 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.9 1.0 1.0

LQ vs GB 0.8 0.5 0.9 0.9 0.8 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.9 1.0 1.0

Construction Business Units 30 30 20 40 20 40 40 50 20 970 249,460

% of total 3% 4% 2% 4% 2% 5% 4% 3% 2% 7% 10%

LQ vs East Berks 0 0.6 0.3 0.5 0.3 0.7 0.6 0.4 0.3 1.0 1.5

LQ vs GB 0 0.4 0.2 0.4 0.2 0.4 0.4 0.2 0.2 0.7 1.0

Public admin Business Units 80 10 60 80 50 120 80 120 40 900 221,130

% of total 9% 2% 6% 8% 7% 12% 10% 7% 6% 6% 9%

LQ vs East Berks 1.4 0.3 0.9 1.2 1.1 1.9 1.5 1.0 0.9 1.0 1.4

LQ vs GB 1.0 0.2 0.6 0.8 0.8 1.4 1.1 0.7 0.6 0.7 1.0

Transport and communications

Business Units 30 50 30 30 20 30 50 60 30 790 104,220

% of total 4% 7% 3% 3% 3% 3% 6% 3% 4% 6% 4%

LQ vs East Berks 0.7 1.3 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 1.0 0.6 0.7 1.0 0.8

LQ vs GB 0.9 1.7 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.8 1.3 0.8 0.9 1.3 1.0

Manufacturing Business Units 20 90 30 60 10 30 20 80 20 690 155,800

% of total 3% 13% 3% 6% 2% 3% 2% 4% 3% 5% 6%

LQ vs East Berks 0.6 2.6 0.6 1.2 0.3 0.6 0.4 0.9 0.6 1.0 1.3

LQ vs GB 0.4 2.0 0.5 0.9 0.3 0.5 0.3 0.7 0.5 0.8 1.0


Page 218

Table 10‐11: East Berkshire Local Authorities and comparators ‐ top ten sectors by 2 digit SIC (2008)

Slough Windsor


East

Berkshire

Thames


Other business

activities

Business Units 940 2,590 2,160 2,390 1,540 1,270 850 2,410 3,530 10,450 88,400 484,920

% of total 19% 28% 20% 23% 22% 27% 20% 25% 25% 25% 22% 20%

% change 2003‐08 29% 19% 31% 26% 23% 29% 21% 11% 22% 20% 25% 29%

LQ vs South East 0.9 1.3 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.2 0.9 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.0 0.9

LQ vs GB 1.0 1.4 1.0 1.2 1.1 1.4 1.0 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.1 1.0

Computer and

related

activities

Business Units 460 930 820 1,020 810 330 350 840 1,390 4,780 27,580 120,140

% of total 10% 10% 7% 10% 12% 7% 8% 9% 10% 11% 7% 5%

% change 2003‐08 18% 3% 11% 24% 12% 18% ‐1% ‐3% 7% 2% 0% 1%

LQ vs South East 1.4 1.5 1.1 1.4 1.7 1.0 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.6 1.0 0.7

LQ vs GB 1.9 2.1 1.5 2.0 2.4 1.4 1.7 1.8 2.0 2.3 1.4 1.0

Retail Trade

Business Units 520 870 1,240 1,030 840 380 450 780 1,390 3,740 39,980 287,380

% of total 11% 10% 11% 10% 12% 8% 11% 8% 10% 9% 10% 12%

% change 2003‐08 2% 5% 3% 11% 10% 2% 15% ‐2% 4% 5% 2% ‐1%

LQ vs South East 1.1 0.9 1.1 1.0 1.2 0.8 1.0 0.8 1.0 0.9 1.0 1.2

LQ vs GB 0.9 0.8 1.0 0.9 1.0 0.7 0.9 0.7 0.8 0.8 0.9 1.0

Construction

Business Units 360 610 1,220 630 490 440 480 990 970 3,640 42,780 249,460

% of total 7% 7% 11% 6% 7% 9% 11% 10% 7% 9% 11% 10%

% change 2003‐08 16% 14% 17% 36% 4% 16% 17% 14% 15% 15% 20% 24%

LQ vs South East 0.7 0.6 1.0 0.6 0.7 0.9 1.0 1.0 0.6 0.8 1.0 0.9

LQ vs GB 0.7 0.7 1.1 0.6 0.7 0.9 1.1 1.0 0.7 0.9 1.1 1.0

Hotels and

Restaurants

Business Units 290 600 730 640 550 240 260 420 890 2,440 25,260 172,990

% of total 6% 7% 7% 6% 8% 5% 6% 4% 6% 6% 6% 7%

% change 2003‐08 13% 12% 8% 21% 23% 13% 11% 1% 13% 15% 14% 9%

LQ vs South East 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.2 0.8 1.0 0.7 1.0 0.9 1.0 1.1

LQ vs GB 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 1.1 0.7 0.9 0.6 0.9 0.8 0.9 1.0

Wholesale and

commission

trade

Business Units 340 420 680 680 280 200 190 550 760 2,100 18,800 124,060

% of total 7% 5% 6% 7% 4% 4% 4% 6% 5% 5% 5% 5%

% change 2003‐08 5% ‐1% ‐1% ‐3% ‐17% 5% 10% 2% 2% ‐4% ‐2% ‐4%

LQ vs South East 1.5 1.0 1.3 1.4 0.9 0.9 0.9 1.2 1.1 1.1 1.0 1.1

LQ vs GB 1.4 0.9 1.2 1.3 0.8 0.8 0.9 1.1 1.1 1.0 0.9 1.0


Page 219

Table 10‐11: East Berkshire Local Authorities and comparators ‐ top ten sectors by 2 digit SIC (2008)

Slough Windsor


East

Berkshire

Thames


Real Estate

Activities

Business Units 190 460 530 420 310 340 160 440 650 1,860 20,060 129,750

% of total 4% 5% 5% 4% 4% 7% 4% 5% 5% 4% 5% 5%

% change 2003‐08 70% 17% 44% 32% 10% 70% 34% 27% 29% 20% 31% 33%

LQ vs South East 0.8 1.0 0.9 0.8 0.9 1.4 0.7 0.9 0.9 0.9 1.0 1.0

LQ vs GB 0.7 0.9 0.9 0.8 0.8 1.4 0.7 0.9 0.9 0.8 1.0 1.0

Health and

Social Work

Business Units 190 340 420 480 350 170 160 360 530 1,680 20,200 136,400

% of total 4% 4% 4% 5% 5% 4% 4% 4% 4% 4% 5% 6%

% change 2003‐08 53% 29% 37% 38% 24% 53% 42% 35% 37% 28% 27% 28%

LQ vs South East 0.8 0.7 0.7 0.9 1.0 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.8 1.0 1.1

LQ vs GB 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.9 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.9 1.0

Other Service

activities

Business Units 130 380 340 320 200 200 180 390 510 1,520 14,530 76,510

% of total 3% 4% 3% 3% 3% 4% 4% 4% 4% 4% 4% 3%

% change 2003‐08 ‐28% ‐17% ‐11% ‐9% ‐21% ‐28% ‐16% ‐19% ‐20% ‐19% ‐13% ‐9%

LQ vs South East 0.7 1.1 0.8 0.8 0.8 1.2 1.1 1.1 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.9

LQ vs GB 0.9 1.3 1.0 1.0 0.9 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.0

Recreation,

culture and

sport

Business Units 120 390 310 660 160 310 190 390 510 1,460 14,550 93,750

% of total 2% 4% 3% 6% 2% 7% 4% 4% 4% 3% 4% 4%

% change 2003‐08 6% 5% 1% 0% ‐2% 6% ‐1% 11% 5% 4% 7% 5%

LQ vs South East 0.7 1.2 0.8 1.7 0.6 1.8 1.2 1.1 1.0 0.9 1.0 1.0

LQ vs GB 0.6 1.1 0.7 1.7 0.6 1.7 1.2 1.1 1.0 0.9 1.0 1.0

% of overall businesses 20% 28% 20% 23% 22% 27% 20% 26% 25% 25% 22% 20%

% change overall 2003 ‐ 8 9% 9% 9% 12% 8% 9% 11% 4% 9% 8% 11% 11%


Page 220

Table 10‐12: East Berkshire Town centres and comparators ‐ top ten sectors by 2 digit SIC (2008)

Slough Town Centre


Windsor and Eaton




Business Units 180 2,120 290 290 130 180 170 390 200 3,530 484,920

% of total 21% 313% 26% 26% 21% 19% 19% 21% 29% 25% 20%

% change 2003‐08 30% 14% 15% 5% 14% ‐9% 31% 18% 114% 22% 29%

LQ vs South East 1.1 15.8 1.3 1.3 1.1 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.5 1.3 1.0

LQ vs GB 1.1 15.8 1.3 1.3 1.1 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.5 1.3 1.0

Computer and related activities

Business Units 50 70 100 110 40 50 80 150 30 1,390 120,140

% of total 6% 10% 9% 10% 6% 5% 9% 8% 4% 10% 5%

% change 2003‐08 ‐10% 5% 2% 11% 36% ‐8% 44% 29% ‐11% 7% 1%

LQ vs South East 1.2 2.1 1.8 2.0 1.3 1.1 1.8 1.7 0.9 2.0 1.0

LQ vs GB 1.2 2.1 1.8 2.0 1.3 1.1 1.8 1.7 0.9 2.0 1.0

Retail trade Business Units 180 40 220 170 160 190 190 370 150 1,390 287,380

% of total 21% 6% 20% 15% 26% 20% 22% 20% 22% 10% 12%

% change 2003‐08 5% 29% 0% 4% 10% ‐4% 3% 2% ‐1% 4% ‐1%

LQ vs South East 1.8 0.5 1.7 1.3 2.2 1.7 1.8 1.7 1.9 0.8 1.0

LQ vs GB 1.8 0.5 1.7 1.3 2.2 1.7 1.8 1.7 1.9 0.8 1.0

Construction

Business Units 30 30 20 40 20 40 40 50 20 970 249,460

% of total 4% 4% 2% 4% 3% 4% 5% 3% 3% 7% 10%

% change 2003‐08 ‐10% 0% 50% 78% 7% 43% 32% 10% ‐43% 15% 24%

LQ vs South East 0.3 0.4 0.2 0.4 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.7 1.0

LQ vs GB 0.3 0.4 0.2 0.4 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.7 1.0

Hotels and restaurants

Business Units 70 30 130 70 70 80 60 220 60 890 172,990

% of total 8% 4% 12% 6% 11% 9% 7% 12% 9% 6% 7%

% change 2003‐08 25% ‐4% 7% 0% 76% 7% 5% 26% 19% 13% 9%

LQ vs South East 1.2 0.6 1.6 0.9 1.6 1.2 1.0 1.7 1.2 0.9 1.0

LQ vs GB 1.2 0.6 1.6 0.9 1.6 1.2 1.0 1.7 1.2 0.9 1.0

Wholesale Business Units 40 90 40 60 10 30 50 50 30 760 124,060

% of total 5% 13% 4% 5% 2% 3% 6% 3% 4% 5% 5%


Page 221

Table 10‐12: East Berkshire Town centres and comparators ‐ top ten sectors by 2 digit SIC (2008)

Slough Town Centre


Windsor and Eaton



and commission trade

% change 2003‐08 2% ‐6% ‐9% 13% 0% ‐35% ‐21% ‐31% ‐28% 2% ‐4%

LQ vs South East 0.9 2.6 0.7 1.1 0.3 0.6 1.1 0.5 0.9 1.1 1.0

LQ vs GB 0.9 2.6 0.7 1.1 0.3 0.6 1.1 0.5 0.9 1.1 1.0

Real estate activities

Business Units 50 40 60 60 30 60 40 80 30 650 129,750

% of total 6% 6% 5% 5% 5% 6% 5% 4% 4% 5% 5%

% change 2003‐08 36% 100% 8% 10% 24% ‐14% 13% 32% 7% 29% 33%

LQ vs South East 1.1 1.1 1.0 1.0 0.9 1.2 0.9 0.8 0.8 0.9 1.0

LQ vs GB 1.1 1.1 1.0 1.0 0.9 1.2 0.9 0.8 0.8 0.9 1.0

Health and social work

Business Units 40 10 40 60 30 60 60 80 20 530 136,400

% of total 5% 1% 4% 5% 5% 6% 7% 4% 3% 4% 6%

% change 2003‐08 57% 200% 14% 40% 37% 38% 32% 33% ‐6% 37% 28%

LQ vs South East 0.8 0.3 0.6 1.0 0.9 1.1 1.2 0.8 0.5 0.7 1.0

LQ vs GB 0.8 0.3 0.6 1.0 0.9 1.1 1.2 0.8 0.5 0.7 1.0

Other service activities

Business Units 20 10 40 40 20 20 30 50 20 510 76,510

% of total 2% 1% 4% 4% 3% 2% 3% 3% 3% 4% 3%

% change 2003‐08 ‐29% ‐33% ‐26% ‐16% ‐9% ‐32% ‐22% ‐25% 0% ‐20% ‐9%

LQ vs South East 0.8 0.5 1.1 1.1 1.0 0.7 1.1 0.9 0.9 1.2 1.0

LQ vs GB 0.8 0.5 1.1 1.1 1.0 0.7 1.1 0.9 0.9 1.2 1.0

Recreational, cultural and sporting

Business Units 20 10 30 30 10 40 30 40 20 510 93,750

% of total 2% 1% 3% 3% 2% 4% 3% 2% 3% 4% 4%

% change 2003‐08 41% 13% 24% ‐17% 40% 32% 47% ‐8% 20% 5% 5%

LQ vs South East 0.6 0.4 0.7 0.7 0.4 1.1 0.9 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.0

LQ vs GB 0.6 0.4 0.7 0.7 0.4 1.1 0.9 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.0

% of overall businesses 78% 360% 84% 81% 82% 75% 82% 79% 82% 76% 73%

% change overall 2003 ‐ 8 7% 68% 75% 12% ‐60% ‐12% ‐8% ‐5% 29% 2% 0%


Page 222


2 digit 4 digit Slough Windsor and Maidenhead East Berkshire

Number LQ vs GB

% change 2003 – 07

Number LQ vs GB % change 2003 – 07

Number LQ vs GB

% change 2003 – 07

Other Business Activities

7414 : Business and management consultancy activities 182 0.8 96% 876 2.0 35% 1,058 1.6 42%

7487 : Other business activities not elsewhere classified 230 1.0 26% 616 1.4 16% 846 1.3 19%

7450 : Labour recruitment and provision of personnel 116 2.4 23% 190 2.1 33% 306 2.2 29%

7412 : Accounting, book‐keeping auditing, tax consultancy 78 1.2 37% 165 1.3 0% 243 1.2 9%

7415 : Management activities of holding companies 61 2.9 53% 55 1.4 17% 116 1.9 33%

7440 : Advertising ~ ~ ~ 87 1.7 4% 104 1.3 0%

7460 : Investigation and security activities 26 1.3 63% 45 1.2 125% 71 1.2 97%

7413 : Market research and public opinion polling ~ ~ ~ 29 2.3 ‐6% 43 2.2 5%

Computer and Related Activities

7222 : Other software consultancy and supply 337 2.2 42% 634 2.2 14% 971 2.2 22%

7260 : Other computer related activities 85 1.5 ‐14% 207 1.9 ‐11% 292 1.8 ‐12%

7210 : Hardware consultancy 24 1.9 33% 37 1.6 0% 61 1.7 11%

7221 : Publishing of software ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 22 1.5 ‐48%

Retail trade 5248 : Other retail sale in specialised stores 110 0.8 4% 256 1.0 18% 366 1.0 13%

5211 : non‐specialist; food, beverages tobacco predominating

87 1.0 13% 90 0.6 7% 177 0.7 10%

5242 : Retail sale of clothing 47 0.8 ‐4% 104 1.0 ‐4% 151 0.9 ‐4%

Construction 4521 : General construction of buildings, civil engineering 80 0.6 ‐2% 188 0.7 ‐13% 268 0.7 ‐10%

4531 : Installation of electrical wiring and fittings 52 0.8 8% 83 0.7 14% 135 0.7 12%

Hotels and Restaurants

5530 : Restaurants 114 0.8 7% 229 0.9 2% 343 0.9 4%

5552 : Catering 111 2.4 63% 144 1.6 89% 255 1.9 77%

5540 : Bars 40 0.4 ‐25% 168 0.8 2% 208 0.6 ‐5%

Wholesale and commission

5190 : Other wholesale 57 1.7 16% 59 0.9 ‐14% 116 1.2 ‐2%

5147 : Wholesale of other household goods 27 1.3 ‐4% 48 1.2 23% 75 1.3 12%

5186 : Wholesale of other electronic parts and equipment 24 3.8 50% 17 1.4 21% 41 2.3 37%

Real Estate Activities

7020 : Letting of own property 64 0.6 78% 153 0.8 33% 217 0.8 44%

7011 : Development and selling of real estate 51 0.7 65% 146 1.0 ‐4% 197 0.9 8%


Page 223

Other high LQ activities

6024 : Freight transport by road 105 1.6 ‐9% 65 0.5 5% 170 0.9 ‐4%

6340 : Activities of other transport agencies 92 9.0 ‐12% 22 1.1 38% 114 3.8 ‐5%

6412 : Courier activities other than national post activities 92 4.1 44% 28 0.7 ‐10% 120 1.9 26%

6340 : Activities of other transport agencies 92 9.0 ‐12% 22 1.1 38% 114 3.8 ‐5%

6022 : Taxi operation 41 2.8 14% 45 1.6 41% 86 2.0 26%

6420 : Telecommunications 43 2.5 ‐10% 34 1.1 ‐15% 77 1.6 ‐13%

7310 : Research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering

~ ~ ~ 28 1.9 65% 42 1.9 35%



Page 224

Figure 10‐1: Change in IT and Software employment 2003‐2008





Page 225

Appendix B : Town Centre Definitions

Town Centre Definition: Windsor and Eton

Source: Digital Mapping Solutions from Dotted Eyes. Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the controller

of HMSO © Crown Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Licence number 10001998

Town Centre Definition: Maidenhead




Page 226

Town Centre Definition: Sough Trading Estate



Town Centre Definition: Slough




Page 227

Town Centre Definition: Uxbridge



Town Centre Definition: Reading




Page 228

Town Centre Definition: High Wycombe



Town Centre Definition: Hounslow




Page 229

Town Centre Definition: Basingstoke




Page 230

Appendix C : Consultation Summary

1. In order to inform the East Berkshire LEA, we have consulted with the following individuals.

Name Organisation

Local Authority Contact

Ruth Bagley Chief Exec, Slough Borough Council

Cllr Rob Anderson Leader of the Council, Slough Borough Council

Cllr Fiza Matloob Cabinet Commissioner for opportunity and skills, Slough Borough Council

Paul Stimpson Head of Planning, Policy and projects, Slough Borough Council

Gillian Ralphs Assistant Director Transport and Planning, Slough Borough Council

Philip Wright Head of Lifelong Learning, Slough Borough Council

Sam Hussain Enterprise and Employment Manager

Ian Trenholm (PA Debra Reading)

CEO, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

David Oram (PA Jane Poirrera

Deputy CE, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Tim Slaney PA Christine Sherwood, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Julia White Visitor Manager, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Johanna Wattts Grow our own manager, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Zena Chittenden Family & Community Learning Manager, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Paul Roach Windsor Town Centre Manager, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Steph James Maidenhead Town Centre Manager, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Councillor David Hilton Council rep at BESB, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Councillor Richard Kellaway

Lead member for finance & ED, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

External Partners

Neil Impiazzi SEGRO ‐ Partnerships Development Manager

Paul Lewis SEGRO

David Drummond SEGRO

Paul Britton Deputy Head External Affairs, Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce

Jo Wright Kinnarps but also Chair of the area committee at Thames Valley Chamber

Linda Evans JCP ‐ Berkshire East Partnership Manager

Kate Webb East Berkshire College

Ramesh Kukar Slough Council for Voluntary Services

MP Fiona Mactaggart Assistant Ray Smith, Slough Borough Council

Mayuri Naker Wycombe District Council

Helen Webster London Borough of Hillingdon


Page 231

Keith Mcgroary Spelthorne District Council

Naveed Mohammed LSP ‐ Slough Borough Council

Claire Prosser in place of Gavin Spencer

Thames Valley Area Chamber Committee

Bob Jones Slough Business Community Partnership

David Knowles‐Leak FSB

David Jessy President Windsor Chamber of Commerce

Businesses

Simon Hall General Manager Holiday Inn

Dan Eastmond Firestation Arts Centre

Nick Long Windsor Pub Company

Nick Day Crown Estate

Janet Tregurtha The Christopher Hotel Eton

John Blake head of sales and marketing Ascot Racecourse

Sue Watts Windsor Royal Shopping Centre

Martin Miranda King Edward Court Centre Manager

Cliff Jackson Lambert Smith Hampton (3rd March)

Gregg Skyrme Centrica

Alistair Warwick Ascot Racecourse

Jane Wright Nicholson's Shopping Centre

Richard Day Honda UK

Paul Moran LG Electronics

Nina Kataria Lonza Biologics plc

Regeneris Consulting Ltd

London Office 70 Cowcross Street London, EC1M 6EJ Tel: 0207 608 7200 Email: [email protected] Manchester Office One Ashley Road Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 2DT Tel: 0161 926 9214 Email: [email protected]

Web: www.regeneris.co.uk

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