A recent study by VodafoneThree and WPI Strategy reveals stark differences in digital connectivity across Leicestershire, identifying areas where better access to technology could significantly boost employment, education, and business growth.
The study assessed digital infrastructure in Leicestershire’s parliamentary constituencies using five key metrics: unemployment, productivity, new small business formation, life satisfaction, and the percentage of residents without formal qualifications. The findings underscore that while digital connectivity has the potential to drive growth, its benefits are not evenly distributed.
The report categorises constituencies into three groups based on their performance across these indicators. Three constituencies—Leicester East, Leicester South, and Leicester West—are in the urgent need category, showing high unemployment rates (7.2%) and low productivity (£35.80 per hour), along with a significant proportion of residents lacking formal qualifications (26.7%). Despite a rise in new business creation in these areas, the report warns that poor digital access and skills are barriers to further economic development.
Other areas, such as Loughborough, Hinckley and Bosworth, and North West Leicestershire, are performing near the national average but still face challenges. While these constituencies benefit from low unemployment and reasonable life satisfaction scores, productivity remains a concern. These regions could unlock further potential through targeted investment in digital infrastructure and skills training.
No constituencies in the county currently exceed national benchmarks, which highlights a gap that must be addressed to keep pace with digital transformation seen in other regions. Areas like Rugby and Warwick & Leamington already demonstrate higher productivity and lower unemployment, supported by more advanced digital infrastructure.
VodafoneThree’s commitment to investing £11 billion in 5G infrastructure over the next eight years could be the key to closing these digital gaps in Leicestershire. The company’s ambitious rollout of nationwide 5G by 2034 promises to provide the necessary connectivity to foster growth in areas most in need.
