Investment Support

Grow your business from Essex

Essex County Council’s Inward Investment team is here to support your business expansion plans.

Our soft-landing services provide introduction to commercial property agents, surveyors, legal, accounting services, local and recruitment through our trusted network of contacts.

We are connected to the 14 local authorities of Greater Essex which guide enquiries through planning, business rates, local authority owned land/premises, guidance on government grants and tax incentives where available.

Ongoing support to investors includes the services of a dedicated account manager who will work with senior management to support the growth needs of the company. This includes innovation support, internationalisation, skills and careers programmes, and access to finance.

Our in-house team and partner network can support international and UK businesses of all sizes, operating across sectors such as advanced manufacturing, tech, digital, life sciences and healthcare, creative, and financial & professional services.

Our soft-landing services to investors include:

• Understanding the UK business and regulatory environment
• Evaluating and selecting an ideal business location and property/site
• Access to 14 local authorities across Essex for guidance on planning and business regulation
• Setting up and planning a UK operation (financial, legal introductions)
• Identifying potential sources of business funding
• Support building and making introductions to local supply chains
• Recruiting and training a high-quality workforce
• Accessing university knowledge and research and development expertise

Our aftercare support to investors includes a dedicated account manager to support the growth needs of the company such as

• Innovation support, access to R&D grants and collaborations with universities
• Workforce development through skills and apprenticeship programmes including funding
• International trade support
• Access to finance and other government funded business support
• Local business introductions

More Information

Our services are free-of-charge, bespoke and confidential.

Essex County Council's Inward Investment Service