ODS delivers real economic power for Oxford, Oxfordshire and beyond
A new independent economic impact assessment has confirmed that ODS made a £69 million contribution to the UK economy in 2024/25, supporting more than 1,170 jobs nationwide, with the greatest benefits felt in Oxford and across Oxfordshire.
This landmark report demonstrates the scale, reach and local importance of ODS as a delivery organisation that does far more than provide frontline services. It shows how ODS drives employment, strengthens supply chains and keeps investment rooted firmly in the local economy.
Supporting everyday life for thousands of people and businesses
ODS delivers specialist services across waste and recycling, grounds maintenance, property and facilities management, highways maintenance and fleet services. Together, these services support more than 1,400 businesses and 60,000 households in and around Oxford.
From improving environmental outcomes to maintaining critical infrastructure, ODS plays a central role in keeping the city and wider area running smoothly while delivering high-quality, value-for-money services for residents, businesses and public sector partners.
Independent evidence of local economic value
The report was produced by independent economic consultants SQW and commissioned by ODS in June 2025. It updates an earlier assessment completed for the previous financial year and provides a detailed analysis of ODS’s economic impact across Oxford and Oxfordshire during 2024/25. Its findings underline the organisation’s growing contribution and long-term value to the regional economy.
Jobs, skills and opportunity close to home
In 2024/25, ODS directly employed 539 full-time equivalent staff and generated £33.3 million in Gross Value Added (GVA). Nearly 90 percent of its workforce lives in Oxford or the wider Oxfordshire area, highlighting ODS’s role as a major local employer and a source of stable, skilled jobs. This strong local employment base helps retain talent, supports household incomes and reinforces the organisation’s deep connection to the communities it serves.
A supply chain that multiplies impact
ODS’s economic footprint extends well beyond its own workforce. During the year, the organisation spent £48.5 million with UK suppliers, including £14.2 million in Oxford and £13.7 million elsewhere in Oxfordshire.
This supply chain activity generated an estimated £27.7 million in indirect GVA across the UK and supported 411 jobs, including 114 in Oxford and 216 in Oxfordshire, further strengthening the local business ecosystem.
Wages spent locally, benefits felt widely
Employee spending also delivered significant economic benefits. In 2024/25, ODS paid £33.6 million in employment costs, including salaries, bonuses and overtime.
This spending supported around £8 million in economic activity across the UK, including £3.1 million in Oxford and £6.8 million in Oxfordshire, helping to sustain a further 224 jobs.
The bigger picture
Taken together, the assessment concludes that ODS contributed £69.0 million to the UK economy in 2024/25. Of this, £43.8 million directly benefited the Oxford economy alone. In total, 1,174 jobs were supported nationwide, with 742 based in Oxford, demonstrating the organisation’s central role in powering local prosperity.
Comment
“This independent assessment clearly demonstrates the vital role ODS plays in supporting our local economy, our communities and the delivery of high-quality public services.
“ODS not only provides essential frontline services for residents and businesses, but also creates jobs, strengthens local supply chains and keeps investment rooted in Oxford and Oxfordshire. The scale of the economic contribution highlighted in this report shows the real value of a strong, locally based organisation doing good for our city.”
Councillor Nigel Chapman, Cabinet Member for Citizen Focused Services and Council Companies
“I am proud of the fantastic contribution ODS makes in Oxford and beyond confirmed in this report by SQW. When we talk about Doing Good, we mean it.”
Simon Howick, Managing Director, ODS
The full report is available on the ODS website
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