Strong local economy

The borough boasts some of the most competitive commercial accommodation rental rates in the South. With one of the highest value property portfolios of all UK councils, the council is keen to use its own property as a catalyst to attract more businesses.

The area is already home to many multinational and high profile companies and businesses trading in international markets. These include Barclays Asset and Sales Finance, Motorola, Sony, Huawei, Ericsson, The AA, Scott Wilson, De La Rue, GAME, Thales, Wella, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Lilly UK, Oxoid, Winterthur AXA and Vitacress Salads. Basingstoke is also one of the 29 national 'New Growth Points'. This long-term partnership with the Government recognises the area's potential for sustainable economic growth and continued prosperity. The Growth Point designation will help unlock the borough's full potential through supporting infrastructure improvements.

Well connected

The town's fast links into the UK's road, rail and sea transport have led to Basingstoke becoming one of the South East region's most important distribution hubs. Wholesale, transport, storage and communications now account for 24% of the local economy, with the financial and business services sectors making up a further 23%.

Highly-skilled workforce

Location and value for money property aren't the only things that Basingstoke has got going for it. There is also the highly skilled workforce and the strength of the 'knowledge intensive' local business community. In one of the most economically vibrant and productive parts of the South East, Basingstoke's workforce is highly skilled. The gross value added (GVA) figure per head of the population is £21,000 for Basingstoke compared to £17,000 as an average for the South East and England. There is a significant over-representation of highly skilled, high earners in the area, specifically in the A and B demographic groups.

Vision for the future

The council is leading the regeneration of one of the town's key commercial areas, Basing View, as a 21st Century economic hub. There are exciting proposals to create a learning campus. Basingstoke already has two successful FE colleges and the University of Winchester has premises in the town.

The learning campus would build on this by bringing together further and higher education linking in with international universities specialising in areas of benefit to local employers, especially in the information and communications technology, bio-pharmaceutical, enterprise, construction and service sectors. It would also include an innovation centre.

Good quality of life

A vibrant and forward-thinking town surrounded by picturesque villages and beautiful countryside, the area can offer a fantastic quality of life. Part of the borough is in the North Wessex Downs, designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty. The stunning Hampshire countryside is complemented by excellent leisure and cultural facilities including the nationally-renowned Anvil concert hall and Festival Place which is currently ranked number three in the country for shopping centres in a town centre.

All these factors add up to 84% of residents saying the borough is a great place to live in the annual council survey. Basingstoke is buzzing with opportunities. Leading companies can see its potential and, combined with an excellent quality of life, its future is bright.

Contact Us

For more information on doing business in Basingstoke contact the borough council's inward investment team on 01256 845498 or visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk