Tech & AI The Tech & AI base of Essex consists of more than 3,000 businesses and employs over 27,000 people. Essex has an incredibly diverse range of DigiTech businesses, active across every possible market/sector, collectively generating £2.63 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA). Both the University of Essex and Anglia Ruskin University specialise in computer sciences and information technology, with the University of Essex boasting a Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme which was ranked number one in the country.
Advanced Manufacturing Essex’s manufacturing cluster hosts 3,465 businesses and employs approximately 24,695 people. The sector contributes significantly to the local economy, generating £4.57 billion in GVA. Essex is home to some of the UK’s most advanced manufacturers such as Raytheon UK, Leonardo, Teledyne e2v, New Holland, BAE Systems, Ford, and Europlaz. Additionally, the Essex Manufacturing Alliance allows them to connect and collaborate with each other at regular events.
Construction & Retrofit The county’s construction sector is worth £7.3 billion in GVA, and supports more than 63,000 jobs across Greater Essex. With the county entering a once-in-a-generation period of long‑term investment in infrastructure, housing, commercial developments and, increasingly, retrofit capabilities, this is set to grow significantly in the coming years. Essex is home to an extensive programme of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects as well as the UK’s largest garden community programme, a housing pipeline of more than 24,000 homes.
Energy Essex is at the forefront of the energy revolution, with initiatives like the GENERATE programme and partnerships with Hydrogen East. The county is driving renewable energy efforts, including onshore wind, solar projects, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production. The energy sector in Essex generates around £1.19 billion GVA for the county. Key infrastructure projects include the Thames Enterprise Park, Five Estuaries, North Falls offshore wind farms. We’re home to Haltermann Carless, and partners with Generate Hydrogen East and the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR).
