The professional services sector, including accountancy services, architectural services, engineering services and legal services, accounts for over $4-billion in export revenues in Canada. The professional services sector is becoming an increasingly important component of the local economy in Vernon. Vernon is home to 230 professional services firms representing all categories of professional services. The professional services sector supports a labour force of over 900 and is over 5% of the total labour force in the City of Vernon. The professional services labour force is one of the fastest growing job sectors in Vernon’s economy.
| Professional Services Category | # Firms |
| Legal Services | 46 |
| Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping and Payroll Services | 43 |
| Architectural, Engineering and Related Services | 45 |
| Specialized Design Services | 6 |
| Computer Systems Design and Related Services | 16 |
| Management, Scientific, Research and Tech. Consulting Services | 50 |
| Advertising, Public Relations and Related Services | 3 |
| Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Services | 21 |
| Total | 230 |
| Statistics Canada. June 2011. | |
Professional Services
Professional services have been growing steadily in recent years, particularly as companies become more specialized and rely on consultants and outsourcing speciality services. The City of Vernon’s location in the southern interior of British Columbia and between the regional cities of Kamloops and Kelowna puts it in a strategic position for professional service providers. This, combined with its excellent community amenities, has been a driving force for the establishment of professional service firms in the community.
Companies with corporate and regional headquarters in Vernon include: