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Reasons to invest in Essex

Greater Essex plugs businesses into global markets and supply chains via two London international airports, two Freeports, and a sophisticated logistics infrastructure. This has attracted multinationals such as Ford, Raytheon, Leonardo, and Case New Holland, along with a host of supply chain businesses.  

The multiple logistics choices, and proximity to London, Europe and the globe, all add up to reduced overhead costs, improved cost-effectiveness, increased customer satisfaction, and greater competitive advantage. 

Greater Essex's advantages

  • Competitive location for growth – lower property and labour costs in comparison to London and Cambridge, helping businesses reduce costs while maintaining access to key markets  
  • Unrivalled connectivity – the only region in the UK with two international airports and two Freeports, supported by strategic road, rail and port connections that provide access to UK and global markets 
  • Talent, skills and innovation – universities including Anglia Ruskin University and the University of Essex, alongside Further Education institutions, deliver industry-aligned skills, apprenticeships and R&D support, creating a strong pipeline of talent and innovation  
  • Capacity to scale – from major strategic employment sites and logistics hubs to town centre workspace, science parks and innovation campuses, Essex offers the space and flexibility businesses need 
  • Established business ecosystems – strong sector clusters and industry networks provide supply chain connections, collaboration opportunities and specialist support, enabling businesses to integrate quickly and grow with confidence 

Helping your business grow 

Extraordinary Essex supports businesses looking to invest, expand or relocate in Greater Essex. 

We provide a tailored soft-landing service, connecting you with trusted commercial property agents, surveyors, legal and accountancy professionals, and recruitment specialists. 

Through our close links with the 14 local authorities across Greater Essex, we can help you navigate planning, business rates, council-owned sites and premises, alongside available grants and incentives. 

Once established, you’ll have access to a dedicated account manager who can support your growth ambitions, including innovation, skills and workforce development, international trade, and access to finance. Our team and partner network work with UK and international businesses of all sizes across sectors. 

Find out more about what support we can give you to invest or relocate

Find investment opportunities available now 

Greater Essex offers a diverse pipeline of investment opportunities, from major employment sites and logistics hubs to town centre regeneration projects, innovation campuses and strategic development locations. 

Backed by strong connectivity, a skilled workforce and a pro-growth business environment, these opportunities are helping to drive sustainable economic growth across the region. 

 

Explore current investment opportunities

Discover the Greater Essex Property Market Review

Find out the latest insights on Greater Essex’s commercial property market, showcasing sector performance, recent investment activity and emerging opportunities across the region. 

Produced with input from local experts, the Review provides a snapshot of market trends and transactions across six key real estate sectors. 

Read the Review in full

Key sectors

Home to more than 94,000 businesses and supporting 878,000 jobs, Greater Essex is one of the UK’s most diverse and dynamic economies. With strengths spanning innovation, manufacturing, clean growth and digital technologies, the area offers investors access to established industries, skilled talent and a strong pipeline of future opportunities. 

Key growth sectors include: 

  • Tech & AI 
  • Advanced Manufacturing 
  • Construction & Retrofit 
  • Energy  

Discover more about Essex’s sector strengths

News

Greater Essex makes its mark at UKREiiF 2026

Key leaders from across Greater Essex's public and private sectors engaged with investor markets at UKREiiF 2026, the UK’s premier Real Estate, Infrastructure and Investment Forum

Read more

News

Greater Essex launches Property Market Review at UKREiiF 2026

The second edition of the Property Market Review highlights Greater Essex's strong performance across key real estate sectors

Read more

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