Bangor, Gwynedd's Biggest Employers: Bangor University & Ysbyty Gwynedd Hospital

Top Employers in Bangor, North Wales

Bangor (pop. ~18,000) is a university and healthcare hub. Two institutions dominate employment.

1. 🎓 Bangor University

• Founded: 1884 (University College of North Wales). Royal Charter 1885.
• Employees: ~2,500 (academic, research, professional services, campus operations).
• Students: ~10,000 (20% international).
• Faculties: Arts, Humanities & Business; Environmental Science & Engineering; Human & Behavioural Sciences; Medical & Health Sciences (North Wales Medical School, 2024).
• Research: SEACAMS2 (marine), Nuclear Futures Institute, Bangor Productivity Institute.
• Economic Impact: ~£300M/yr to North Wales. Largest single employer in Gwynedd.

2. 🏥 Ysbyty Gwynedd (Gwynedd Hospital)

• Type: District General Hospital (Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board).
• Employees: ~2,200 (medical, nursing, AHP, admin, estates, facilities).
• Beds: ~450.
• Services: A&E, maternity, oncology, cardiology, orthopedics, renal, mental health, North Wales Clinical Research Facility.
• Teaching: Affiliated with Bangor & Cardiff medical schools.
• Catchment: ~200k across Gwynedd, Anglesey, Conwy.

🥈 Other Significant Employers

• Gwynedd Council: ~3,000 county-wide (HQ in Caernarfon, offices in Bangor).
• Menai Science Park (M-SParc): 50+ tech/science firms, 500+ jobs (growing).
• Retail / Hospitality: High St, Deiniol Centre, Menai Bridge, coastal tourism.
• Stena Line (Holyhead, 15 mi): Ferry port — 500+ direct/indirect.

📊 Economic Profile

• Public sector dependent (~40% jobs).
• Welsh language: ~50% speakers — bilingual workplace requirement.
• Graduate retention challenge — M-SParc aims to fix.

In Bangor, the gown and the stethoscope drive the economy. University + Hospital = ~4,700 jobs = 25% of local workforce.