University of Surrey generates £1.3 billion for the Surrey economy and 17,500 jobs

The report reveals that the University of Surrey supported over 17,500 jobs in the county of Surrey during the pandemic-hit year, with the University contributing a gross value added* (GVA) of £1.3 billion to the county’s economy. This is an increase from the academic year 2018/19 when the University supported more than 14,400 jobs and contributed a GVA of £1.2 billion to Surrey’s economy.  

The University of Surrey Economic Impact Report was produced by independent economic consultants BiGGAR Economics. The report details the ways the University’s research and innovation contributes significantly to economic growth by supporting firms with their own research and development, directly commercialising University research, and through the impact of the University’s graduates. Collectively, these activities added £194 million GVA to the Surrey economy, and supported more than 700 jobs in the county.  

Caroline Fleming, Director of Innovation at the University of Surrey and Interim Director of the Surrey Research Park, said:  

"We are a world-class University producing research that transforms lives worldwide, but I am particularly pleased to see this report confirming the tremendous economic and employment impact we have within our local communities, as well as across the UK. 

"The University of Surrey remains a dynamic and forward-looking organisation that is proud of its positive contribution to Guildford, the County of Surrey and the whole UK.” 

The largest national economic contribution of the University comes through its innovation activities which generated £660 million GVA for the UK economy, a 4.5% increase on 2018/19, and supported over 7,640 jobs in 2020/21, up 26.4% from 2018/19. These activities are the support which the University provides start-ups through SETsquared Surrey and the impact of the Surrey Research Park.   

The report also captures the direct impact of the University’s expenditure. For example, the report highlights how the University's supply chain helps boost the local economy by generating more revenue and job opportunities for suppliers in Guildford, in Surrey and across the UK. Specifically, 8% of the University's supply chain spending went to businesses located in Guildford, 16% was spent on suppliers in Surrey, and 94% was spent with suppliers based in the UK. 

The report shows that the University of Surrey contributed £1.9 billion to the UK economy in the academic year 2020/21, this is up from £1.8 billion in 2018/19. 

 The University’s student community generated £146 million GVA to the Surrey community and supported 4,650 jobs. This positive economic contribution was made through part-time employment, volunteering and starting businesses.  

You can read the full report on the University of Surrey's website. 

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At a glance 

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Notes to editors 

*GVA is a measure that represents the difference between the total value of goods and services produced by a company against the cost of all inputs used in the production process, including raw materials, labour, and capital. 

• Caroline Fleming is available for interview upon request.  

• For more information, please contact the University of Surrey's press office via mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk