On Tuesday 7th October 2025, members of the UK acoustics community gathered at the Royal Academy of Engineering for the launch of the Sound Economics 2 (SE2) report. Hosted by the UK Acoustics Network, the event brought together researchers, consultants, policymakers, and industry leaders to reflect on the scale, impact, and future of acoustics in the UK.
The SE2 report builds on the original Sound Economics report (SE1) published in 2019, offering a more detailed and expansive view of the UK acoustics industry. SE1 estimated:
- £4.6 billion in revenue
- 16,000 employees
- £65,000 GVA per employee
- £150 million in research funding
SE2 shows clear progress:
- Revenue has grown by 13%
- Employment has increased by 25%
- Productivity has risen by 64%
- Research funding has expanded by 53%
SE2 also offers broader sectoral coverage and stronger alignment with national strategies, including the UK’s 2025 Industrial Strategy and Strategic Defence Review.
The launch of SE2 was marked by a short but impactful speech from Professor David Waddington, President of the Institute of Acoustics. He addressed the audience with clarity and conviction, beginning by thanking the sponsors, the authors of SE2, and all those attending.
He emphasised the significance of the report:
“The Sound Economics 2 report re-affirms what many of us have long known: Acoustics is vital to the UK’s economy, health, and innovation.”
But he also acknowledged the challenges:
“Our profession remains under-recognised, and better data, visibility, and policy support are urgently needed.”
You can download the full copy of the report from this page.
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