Greenwich: a diverse and multi-skilled workforce
As little as 30 years ago, manufacturing and port-related activities dominated the Greenwich economy. Extensive inward investment, workforce training and land development has brought about a more diverse industry base in the borough, with a range of emerging industry clusters.
A modern business economy
Greenwich enjoys a modern, forward-thinking business community, with well-developed business networks.
- There are about 5,000 registered businesses in the borough of Greenwich
- In 2002, 300 of these businesses had ten to 49 employees
- 50 had 49+ employees
- The rest employed up to nine employees (ABI)
Developing sectors
Developing sectors are ICT, creative and media industries, business and financial services, tourism, sports and leisure industries as well as environmental industries. Manufacturing and engineering also remain strong sectors. The fastest growing sector over the past 10 years is finance and business services which increased by 41%, followed by an increase of 20% in retail and wholesale jobs.
A diverse, multi-skilled workforce
Greenwich prides itself on a diverse and multi-skilled workforce, stemming from its huge diversity of people and history. In 2002, there were 91,588 people employed in the borough (National Statistics). Unemployment in Greenwich has fallen faster than the London rate and has more than halved over the last 9 years, from over 13% in 1993 to under 6% in 2003 (GLA)
High local staff potential
Greenwich offers your business access to a well-trained and skilled local labour force. A high proportion of the workforce live and work in Greenwich, providing local businesses with an advantage in recruitment and retention of staff. The full range of specialist skills is available within south east London.
Greenwich Council has supported numerous work-related training programmes, including Greenwich Local Labour and Business (GLLaB). This successful local labour initiative won a Beacon Council award for Greenwich Council and can help you with staffing needs through its free recruitment service and other schemes.
Find out more
Our Profile of Greenwich contains more information about employment and economy in the borough.