Distribution and service
_tcm21-71665.jpg)
The National Statistics website defines Distribution and Service as covering the following industries:
- Wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and household goods;
- Sale, maintenance and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles;
- Retail sale of fuel in petrol stations;
- Wholesale trades and commission trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles;
- Transport, storage and communication;
- Real estate, renting and business activities;
- Education (excluding some public sector);
- Health and social work (excluding some public sector); and
- Other community, social and personal service activities.
Distribution and Service is one of the growing sectors in the Liverpool economy; it accounts for 24% of all jobs in the city. Many new jobs have been created in this sector between 2002 and 2006.
One third of all business units in Liverpool (32.9%) fall within the "Distribution, Hotels and Restaurants" sector; this compares to 29.5% in the rest of Britain.
Warehousing and Distribution
According to a study produced in 2006 by property consultants Knight Frank, Merseyside is becoming a major hub for so-called super-sheds - huge warehouses used by major distribution companies. The study reported that in 2005/6 the region saw one of the highest levels of speculatively built industrial units in the UK, with 22% of the UK's speculative new build projects being in the North-West.
The report says warehousing and distribution remain key drivers of demand in the market, with a "noticeable decline" in demand from the manufacturing sector. Super-sheds are leading the way, with a 20% increase in the amount of developments over 100,000 sq ft in the period studied.
Developers are attracted by our strong transport infrastructure and a readily available labour force. These are one of Liverpool's strong points, as well as the availability of large sites for development in the Approach 580 and Speke Halewood strategic business area at Liverpool International Business Park.
Port of Liverpool
Although the port is situated just to the north of the city, many of our residents work there.
The port generates turnover in excess of £3billion per annum. Major companies operating from the port include
- the Mersey Docks & Harbour Company,
- Atlantic Container Line,
- MSC,
- CMA-CGM,
- Norfolk Line; and
- P&O.
The Port of Liverpool achieved another record year in 2005, with cargo traffic reaching 32.2 million tonnes - up 1.7% on the previous year.
Liverpool is the fifth largest container port in the UK. It handles over 7.5% of the UK's container traffic.
Services and other Sectors
Distribution and Services also includes many jobs in the hotel and conference sector. Liverpool has seen a huge rise in the number of hotels being built around the city centre; and more are either being built or will start in the next few years.
You can find out more about hotel developments in Liverpool.
Major sites for business
Liverpool's Strategic Investment Areas (SIAs) are good places to set up a new business. Here, firms can find a range of sites and buildings suitable for their needs; and which are large enough to be used for storage and distribution. These include:
- Estuary Commerce Park & Liverpool International Business Park, in the Speke Garston SIA. This is Liverpool's premier out-of-town business park. It has some 121 hectares, and offers land for high-quality office and manufacturing use.
- G-Park (formerly Axis Business Park) in the A580 SIA has 78,965 square metres (849,973 square feet) of space available for use. It is in a very good position right next to our motorway network.
- Just further along the road is the new Stonebridge Business Park which also has new space for distribution warehousing.
- Aintree Industrial Estate in the A580 SIA is home to over 100 businesses. These include well-known brands such as Jacobs; and local employers such as Trigon Snacks and North West Aerosols.
- Wellington Employment Park in the Atlantic Gateway SIA is a new site that is currently being prepared. When complete, it will have 155,000 square feet of floorspace available.
In addition to sites and buildings on offer to firms wishing to start up in Liverpool, there is also a range of funding to help train local people where they need to adapt their existing skills to suit particular needs. You can find out more about how we can help your business on the Liverpool Vision website.
You can find out more about the Distribution and Services sector in Liverpool in our Economic Bulletin.