The Derbyshire Dales has a strong and thriving economy. It is home to 4,680 businesses which contribute £1.52 billion to the UK’s economy. Most of the businesses (90%) are small (under 10 employees).   

The District has the highest figures in Derbyshire for:

• number of businesses  - 4,680 registered for VAT or PAYE -  excluding Derby city
• business survival rates - 68% survive at least 3 years
• business density - 4,680 enterprises and a population of 71,800
• self-employment - 25% of the working age population 

Business Sectors

• biggest employment sector is manufacturing
• visitor economy and food and drink sectors are important
• traditional rural sectors of farming and quarrying/mining

Business Start Ups and Survival

• an attractive area for business start-ups
• 345 business start-ups in 2019 (8.4% of active businesses)

Sources: Derbyshire Observatory and the Office for National Statistics - Nomis