Focus: South East
The South East of England is one of Europe’s
leading investment destinations with an
economy worth over $350bn (£177). It
is home to over 700,000 businesses and
more than 5,000 foreign owned companies.
The region’s high technology industries,
highly skilled workforce and reputation as a
world leader in innovation attract hundreds
of overseas businesses every year. South
East England offers an excellent quality of
life and is in close proximity to Europe’s
financial capital, London.
Overseas investors in the region include global players such as Microsoft, Siemens, Nokia, Hewlett Packard, Honda, Samsung, Sharp and Dell. Many companies are located in the region’s thriving cities, which include Brighton, Southampton, Oxford and Reading and natural industry clusters such as the Thames Valley – a hub of ICT companies located to the west of London. The world’s largest telecommunications company, Vodafone, was founded in Newbury, part of the Thames Valley.
Outstanding transport links
The South East is the gateway to mainland Europe. It has the UK’s only rail/road link to Europe – the Channel Tunnel. South East airports include the world’s busiest, Heathrow International. Major seaports in the region are Dover, Southampton and Portsmouth. The region also has excellent road and rail links to the rest of the UK with 12 motorways and 77 train stations – many of which offer fast services to London (around 40 minutes journey time).
Highly-qualified workforce
The area provides investors with the largest skilled workforce in the UK. Ninety per cent of the region’s 4.3 million workforce hold an academic qualification and over onethird are educated to degree level.
World leaders in hightech industry
The region has the largest aerospace and defense industry in Europe and is home to Boeing, Virgin Atlantic, Northrop Grumman, BAE systems and an extensive supply chain. There are over 500 automotive companies operating in the region – including BMW and Ford – and five Formula One teams – Williams, McLaren, Renault, Red Bull and Super Aguri.
The life sciences and medical technologies sector benefits from highly skilled scientists and technicians. Companies based in the region include Eli Lilly, Aventis and Pharmacia, and the UK’s largest pharmaceutical company, Pfizer. There are 30,000 ICT companies based in the region. Many are located in the Thames Valley, which contains the highest concentration of ICT businesses in Europe. Nine out of the top 10 US computer software companies are located here including Microsoft, Oracle, Computer Associates and Electronic Arts.
Innovative graduates
High tech clusters have developed around
the region’s 25 outstanding universities
and higher education institutions, which
include the universities of Oxford, Surrey,
Southampton, Sussex and Kent. Over
74,000 graduates qualify each year guaranteeing
a regular stream of qualified, creative
and talented young individuals.
Collaboration between the region’s universities
and businesses drives dynamic
and innovative Research & Development
(R&D). The hundreds of commercial R&D
operations located in the South East
can access the skilled workforce and
expertise in world-class university research
departments. R&D spend accounts for
$9.34 (£4.66)bn, one-quarter of the total
UK expenditure.
High quality of living
The countryside and history attract many people to South East England where onesouth third is classified as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The region has vibrant cities rich in culture and heritage as well as many beautiful countryside towns and villages. The region has around 500kms of picturesque coastline, including the White Cliffs of Dover and the Isle of Wight – which is home to the world-famous sailing event, Cowes Week. Other annual outdoor activites include Royal Ascot, the Henley Regatta and golf tournaments at Wentworth Golf Club.
SEEDA: locating your business in the UK
The South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) works in partnership with UK Trade and Investment to assist business executives with establishing UK operations in the region. As a government- funded agency, SEEDA offers free information, guidance and assistance to attract, support and develop new investors.
Business support
Every year, SEEDA’s Inward Investment Team assists dozens of overseas companies wishing to expand existing businesses or invest in the region for the first time. Expert advice and support is provided at every stage of the project to save companies valuable management time and speed up their decision making process. SEEDA can help businesses identify market opportunities by providing bespoke market reports for each business sector. The team can also give practical advice on issues such as setting up bank accounts, IP protection and employment contracts.
Advisors at SEEDA help with property management services, including advice on finding suitable premises and assistance with lease arrangements, or finding suitable accommodation for staff. SEEDA’s Inward Development Managers help companies once they have settled in the region. They provide expert advice and assistance on issues, such as accessing finance, business expansion and networking support.
There are five SEEDA US-based representatives who can meet with you to discuss your needs. To find out how they can help you and to get more information about the business opportunities in South East England, contact one of the team below or visit our website: www.investsoutheastengland.co.uk.
For more information, contact:
Chris King
VP Business Development –
East Coast, Boston
Tel: (617) 275 7490
E-mail: chrisking@seeda.co.uk
Amy Fitzgerald
VP Business Development –
Mid West, Mid Atlantic and SE
Tel: (312) 674 4522
E-mail: amyfitzgerald@seeda.co.uk
Susan Carter
VP Business Development –
West Coast, Costa Mesa
Tel: (714) 371 4051
E-mail: susancarter@seeda.co.uk
Michael Strohecker
VP Business Development –
US West Coast, Palo Alto
Cell: (650) 387 5547
E-mail: michaelstrohecker@seeda.co.uk
SEEDA HQ
Guildford, UK
Michael Dewick,
Head of International Business,
North America
E-mail: michaeldewick@seeda.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 1483 484200
Website: www.investsoutheastengland.co.uk
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