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Essex plugs businesses into global markets and supply chains via two London international airports, two major 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 and Europe, all add up to reduced overhead costs, improved cost-effectiveness, increased customer satisfaction, and greater competitive advantage.

Outside of work, Essex connects people to a world of ideas and inspiration. Arts festivals, countryside villages, idyllic landscapes and seascapes, plus everything that is on offer in central London, only a short train ride away.

Reasons to Invest in Essex

  • Lower property and labour costs in comparison to London and Cambridge
  • Universities including Anglia Ruskin University and University of Essex with institutes/research centres in data analytics, health, and social and economic sciences
  • Anglia Ruskin’s Arise Innovation Hubs in Harlow and Chelmsford focusing on life sciences
  • Proximity to the UK’s four global top 10 ranked universities (Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial and UCL)
  • Strong R&D at Harlow Innovation Park and Chesterford Research Park with tailor-made technology/laboratory facilities, as well as existing park occupiers for potential collaboration

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

Which makes Essex popular with businesses in these industries:

  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Information and communications technology
  • Energy infrastructure and offshore wind
  • Financial and professional services
  • Creative industries
  • Advanced logistics and transport

Find out more about our sector strengths

Funding

Through the Essex Renewal Fund (ERF), Essex County Council is investing directly in land and property projects to support the creation of new jobs as well as new homes.

Essex Renewal Fund

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

News

Stansted Airport expansion to boost Essex economy

Planning permission granted for expansion which will allow up to 51 million passengers to use the airport each year.

Read more

    Contact us

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