PwC puts Southampton in top 10 for growth in 2025 index

PwC’s annual Good Growth for Cities Index places Southampton 7th out of 50 cities across the UK for growth, exceeding the index’s score for the South East as a whole

The index is based on 12 factors, including income, jobs, housing and work-life balance, and each city’s performance is assessed against these priorities. The better the city performs against these metrics, the higher the city scores on the Good Growth Index.

Southampton has been near the top of the index over the past few years – a testament to consistently strong performance when it comes to economic growth.

Councillor Sarah Bogle, Cabinet Member for Economic Development at Southampton City Council, said: “The Good Growth for Cities Index doesn’t just look at single measurements but takes a broader view to establish balanced and sustainable growth comparisons – so Southampton’s performance is good news for the city. 

“However, we are also clear that the benefits of growth have not always been felt or shared across our communities. That is why, through our City Plan, and a new Growth and Prosperity plan due for adoption later in the year, we are setting out a clear ambition to shape growth and investment opportunities which will realise a more equal, healthier, safer and greener city.

“We’re also making tangible progress all the time. I am pleased to say that the Renaissance Vision is now moving from strategy to delivery through the recent appointment of Montagu Evans as our Strategic Development Advisor. We also know how important it is to focus on the city as a whole and I am currently working across the council to bring forward ideas for how we can activate, and develop further, key district centres in the city.

“Overall, we are poised for a new chapter in our growth story, building on the strong economic foundations highlighted by the PwC Index.”