West of England identified as UK’s most productive region outside London despite structural transport and housing strains

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

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 21, 2026, 5:48 AM EDT

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

A New Benchmark for Regional Economic Performance

The West of England has officially secured its position as the most productive Combined Authority area in England outside of London. According to the Strategic Economic Audit released by the Brunel Centre, the region’s post-pandemic recovery has been markedly stronger than the UK average, fueled by a unique concentration of knowledge-intensive and creative industries. Compiled by experts from the University of Bath and UWE Bristol, the report suggests that the region is no longer just a local success story but a primary engine for national growth.

The Paradox of High Productivity and Structural Constraints

Despite its economic dominance, the West of England faces a set of "defining challenges" that researchers say are beginning to limit its untapped potential. The audit identifies a mismatch between the region's highly educated workforce—with nearly half of residents holding degree-level qualifications—and its failing physical infrastructure. Dr. Lucy Martin, Director of the Brunel Centre, argues that while the economic fundamentals are exceptional, the conditions underpinning that success are under significant strain from long-term underinvestment.

Transport and Housing as Barriers to Inclusion

The report categorizes the region's transport network as a major liability, noting that congestion in Bristol and Bath is among the worst in the United Kingdom. Public transport is described as slow, unreliable, and poorly integrated, which disproportionately affects those in surrounding areas who experience higher rates of underemployment. Furthermore, a severe lack of affordable housing is directly limiting social mobility and the ability of businesses to retain the very skilled professionals and young graduates that the region attracts.