• Swindon & Wiltshire Economy
• Monday September 8 2025

Bristol and Swindon among UK’s top five highest-performing cities

Bristol and Swindon are among the UK’s highest-performing cities, with Reading taking a top ten spot, according to PwC’s 2025 Good Growth for Cities Index.

York topped the index, climbing six places, with Edinburgh up seven places to second place.

Bristol, which last year came second, clinched a third-place spot, brought down in part by a weak ranking for housing – the only indicator in which it scored negatively.

Exeter was fourth, and Swindon fifth ahead of Plymouth, Southampton, and Reading, which was ranked eighth – down three on last year’s result.

The report said both Bristol and Swindon are expected to grow at or above national average over the next two years. Both scored well on jobs and high streets while Swindon – home of the government’s transport secretary – performed well in transport as well as in skills.

Reading scored well in jobs and income, but was let down by housing, transport, and income distribution.

The annual report ranks 50 of the UK’s largest towns and cities – excluding London – based on the public’s assessment and the actual performance of 12 economic measures.

The measures include jobs, health, income, safety and skills, as well as work-life balance, housing, transport, income equality, high street and shops, environment and business start-ups.

Carl Sizer, chief markets officer at PwC, said: “The cities and regions making the most progress are those that align their sector priorities with local strengths and invest in essentials like housing, transport, digital infrastructure, and skills.

“They ensure that the priorities of communities, employers, and key institutions are in sync.

“A strong economic identity is crucial, understanding what a place stands for, its strengths, and growth plans is vital for local leaders, investors, businesses, and residents alike.

“Clarity helps direct decisions, focus efforts, and make a strong case for investment.

“With these foundations, local growth strategies become more than policy documents.

“They serve as a framework connecting short-term efforts with long-term goals, organising choices to support resilience, opportunity, and inclusive growth.

“To stay relevant, these strategies need to be active and adaptable, regularly updated, transparently tracked, and based on clear insights into what’s working and what needs change.”

Councillor Jim Robbins, leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “I am delighted to see Swindon once again outperforming some huge cities in the index.

“It shows what we all know, that Swindon is a great place to live, and a fantastic place for businesses to invest.

“The combination of our high growth and high index score suggests Swindon is not just growing economically, but doing so in a way that aligns with public priorities and sustainable development. This is why, as a pro-growth town we are focusing on house building, and improving our transport infrastructure and public realm.

“The positive showing in the index also highlights the Council’s effectiveness in attracting inward investment, supporting high-value sectors like advanced manufacturing, financial services and tech, investing in infrastructure and regeneration and promoting inclusive economic growth.

“With Panattoni’s £900 million investment in the former Honda site continuing at pace, the recent positive news of drone manufacturing firms setting up in the town and our major plans to breathe new life into the town centre through the Knowledge Central train station redevelopment, I have every confidence we will continue to maintain our lofty position in economic league tables in the years to come.”