South Ribble has been shaped by its geography and its industrial past. In Lancashire, a focal point of the industrial revolution and textiles industry, South Ribble had several large cotton mills which employed thousands of people. Over time, this has transitioned into a much more advanced manufacturing, construction, and logistics economy, with growing digital capabilities, and one of the highest performing parts of the Lancashire economy.
Engineering economy in South Ribble
Employment
Businesses
GVA per engineer
Key employers in South Ribble
- BAE Systems,
- Leyland Trucks
- Conlon construction
- Logistics companies DHL and TNT.
Local and regional economy
South Ribble is home to several major employers which provide crucial employment for the local and regional economy – Leyland Trucks, Conlon construction and logistics companies DHL and TNT. However, one of the largest employers is BAE Systems, situated at the Salmesbury Aerospace Enterprise Zone. This is one of BAE’s largest UK sites, providing thousands of jobs in high value manufacturing and engineering roles, and is home to the BAE Academy for Skills and Knowledge, training employees in using modern design and engineering techniques.
Lancashire is well recognised as being a focal point for BAE Systems in the UK and the value it brings is reflected across its economies. South Ribble has higher productivity levels than many other local authorities in the country, higher wages, and generally lower levels of unemployment.
Aerospace engineer in hangar with the Tempest aircraft
Innovation and research
This advanced manufacturing presence has seen strong innovation and skills infrastructure develop throughout Lancashire. Rolls Royce has its own centre of excellence, while the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre North West is a gateway development at Samlesbury which will bring greater technical R&D to manufacturing businesses across Lancashire, from technology provision to SMEs in the supply chain to productivity gains for larger businesses.
The University of Central Lancashire also generates a significant number of graduates for these local businesses and operates a large apprenticeship programme to help service Lancashire’s manufacturing firms. In addition, it has a high quality Engineering Innovation Centre which is a major asset in providing flagship research and innovation facilities alongside delivering several successful SME support programmes.