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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 ...
The SE2 report was launched on Tuesday, 7th October 2025.
The launch event was hosted by the UK Acoustics Network at the Royal Academy of Engineering.
SE1, published in 2019, estimated the UK acoustics industry's revenue at £4.6 billion.
SE1 estimated 16,000 employees in the UK acoustics industry.
SE2 shows revenue has grown by 13%.
SE2 shows employment has increased by 25%.
SE2 shows research funding has expanded by 53%.
Professor David Waddington stated, "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.”
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:
SE2 shows clear progress:
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.
UK ACOUSTICS: SOUND ECONOMICS 2
Support for inclusion of acoustic conditions in updated school premises regulations for Scotland
New CIEH data shows decline in noise complaints across and enforcement across England and Wales
New noise rating on labels for household tumble dryers
Government are consulting on permitted development for single wind turbines up to 30m high for business and public sector
A report commissioned by the Department for Business and Industrial Strategy to look at assessment of noise from onshore wind farms is now published.
The Welsh Government are consulting on changes to permitted development rights including air source heat pumps(ASHP).
As part of their ongoing enquiry into the impact of airport expansion on climate and nature targets, the Environmental Audit Committee will be taking oral evidence tomorrow - Wednesday May 14th.
The Government are seeking views on proposals for changes to the planning process for national infrastructure projects.
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