Strategic Economic Audit Identifies West of England as Most Productive Combined Authority Outside London

The Brunel Centre’s first Strategic Economic Audit reveals the West of England is the UK's most productive area outside London, despite transport hurdles.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 20, 2026, 12:40 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from University of Bath

A Dynamic Engine for National Prosperity

The West of England has officially emerged as the most productive Combined Authority area in England outside of London, according to the inaugural Strategic Economic Audit released by the Brunel Centre. Compiled by researchers from the University of Bath and UWE Bristol, the report identifies the region as a high performing outlier in the UK economy, with a recovery trajectory that has significantly outpaced the national average since the pandemic. Dr. Lucy Martin, Director of the Brunel Centre, emphasized that the evidence for the region’s dynamism is unequivocal, suggesting that if the West of England is fully unleashed, it possesses the specific industrial clusters and skilled workforce required to power the broader UK’s economic growth.

Leading the Nation in Export and Innovation

One of the most striking findings of the audit is the region’s formidable trade position, generating exports valued at £9.5 billion and maintaining a consistent trade surplus. This performance stands in sharp contrast to the overall UK trade deficit, positioning the West of England as a critical hub for international commerce. The area is home to globally competitive innovation clusters across the digital, creative, and knowledge intensive sectors. These industries are supported by a concentration of highly educated residents, with nearly half of the population holding degree level qualifications, one of the highest rates recorded in England.

Addressing the Structural Barriers to Inclusion

Despite these foundational strengths, the audit identifies several systemic pressures that threaten to undermine long term success. The researchers categorized transport as a defining challenge, noting that urban congestion in Bristol and Bath remains among the worst in the country due to a public transport network described as slow, unreliable, and poorly integrated. Furthermore, the report highlights a growing crisis in housing affordability and a shortage of available stock, which directly limits the ability of businesses to attract and retain talent. These constraints are compounded by inconsistent digital access, which creates a barrier to inclusive growth for residents in the surrounding rural areas.