Why invest in Canterbury?
A talented workforce, competitive operating costs, excellent connections to London and Europe – with a great quality of life. It’s no surprise that more people, businesses and investors are choosing Canterbury than ever before.
Global recognition
Canterbury is well known around the world for its heritage, attracting around seven million visitors a year to its historic walled city and vibrant seaside towns of Whitstable and Herne Bay. Today’s tourists, tomorrow’s investors.
Well Connected
Canterbury is just one hour away by high-speed train from London’s St Pancras International, less than 20 miles from the Port of Dover with excellent motorway connections to the rest of the UK via the M2 and A229 corridor.
Highly Skilled Jobs
Canterbury attracts highly skilled, well-paid jobs in sectors key to the UK’s growth: from medicine, life science and food and drink innovation to net zero transition and advanced manufacturing.
Talent Pipeline
Canterbury’s large industry focused university, specialist schools and colleges have transformed the district into a centre of excellence, producing hundreds of high calibre graduates each year, all with the potential to seize the opportunities of tomorrow’s world.
Quality of Life
Canterbury is one of the UK’s most attractive places to live and work, offering a great quality of life – from festivals and cultural events to some of Kent’s best ‘foodie’ locations, coastal walks and rural escapes.
Stategic Sites
Along with a range of well-established business parks Canterbury has a number of well-connected strategic development sites at key locations across the district – including Altira Park in Herne Bay – ready to meet demand from investors and support future growth.
Commercial Opportunities
Canterbury’s vision to 2040 is to create a sustainable and resilient economy, through regeneration of our City and town centres, development of our universities and colleges, and investment in the green economy.
Jobs for the future
The district supports over 60,000 jobs, supported by leading UK universities and specialist schools focused on today’s challenges and tomorrow’s solutions. With seven million visitors a year to one of England’s greatest cities and a wider district full of life, history and culture, this has always been a place to return to – and the business investment to match.
From wine making to food innovation, net zero transition to sustainable logistics, Canterbury is answering the call for the jobs of the future that will drive the UK economy over the coming years – a growing place of opportunity, and the right location to build your success.
Discover Canterbury
Choose Canterbury to invest your business and you will be joining a district set up for success with a diverse range of locations to build your future.
From the historic city of Canterbury home to some of the UK’s top research universities to the sought over coastal towns of Whitstable and Herne Bay and the wider regional potential of the East Kent Coastal corridor.
Read on to discover what each of these locations have to offer. Get in touch to find out more.
Canterbury Property Search
Looking for the right space for your business in Canterbury district?
Use this property search tool to discover the latest on available business units or office space in the area.
If you need any help or advice on available commercial space, get in touch with our commercial property team today.
FAQs
What makes the Canterbury district a prime location for investment?
The Canterbury district offers a strategic location with a unique blend of cultural richness, infrastructure, and connectivity that is ideal for businesses of all kinds.
- Strategic Location: Just an hour from London by high-speed rail and close to Europe’s major cities, Canterbury district is well-connected to both UK and international markets.
- Skilled Workforce: Home to three universities and a growing talent pool, the district provides access to a highly educated and skilled workforce.
- Growth Sectors: Key industries include life sciences, renewable energy, creative industries, and tourism, each experiencing robust growth and government support.
What are the top growth opportunities in the Canterbury district?
Canterbury district has several growth areas driven by local demand, innovation, and investment incentives.
- Renewable Energy: With the Kentish Flats Wind Farm and various solar farms, the district is becoming a leader in green energy production.
- Tourism and Hospitality: With a rich historical and cultural heritage, Canterbury attracts millions of visitors annually, creating numerous business opportunities in tourism and hospitality.
- Digital and Creative Industries: The area’s universities and coworking spaces support a thriving digital and creative ecosystem, ideal for new tech startups and media enterprises.
What support is available for new investors in Canterbury?
The Canterbury district actively supports new and existing businesses to encourage growth and sustainable investment.
- Locate in Kent: The official inward investment agency provides tailored support, from property searches to workforce recruitment and funding guidance.
- Incentive Programs: Investors can access various grants and funding schemes, particularly in high-growth sectors like life sciences and green technology.
- Networking Opportunities: Numerous business events, meetups, and support networks are available to help connect investors with local partners, suppliers, and talent.
How accessible is the Canterbury district in terms of transportation?
The Canterbury district offers excellent connectivity, making it accessible to both local and international markets.
- High-Speed Rail: High-Speed 1 offers a direct link to London in just an hour, while Eurostar connections are available to Europe from nearby Ashford.
- Proximity to Ports: Close to the Port of Dover and other major shipping routes, the district is ideal for logistics and distribution businesses.
- Commuter and Regional Access: Canterbury’s road network connects easily with Kent and the greater South East, supporting both local and international business operations.
What future infrastructure developments are planned?
The Canterbury district is committed to improving infrastructure to support long-term business growth and development.
- Housing Expansion: The district has plans to build additional residential developments to accommodate a growing population and workforce.
- Transportation Projects: Upgrades to road and rail infrastructure are on the way, including enhancements to high-speed rail services, potentially further improving the area’s connectivity.
- Digital Infrastructure: Planned expansions in digital and communications technology, such as 5G rollout, aim to support the growing tech and remote-working sectors.
Is there a network for business collaboration in the Canterbury district?
Yes, Canterbury district offers a robust network for business collaboration and innovation.
- University Partnerships: With institutions like the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University, there are many opportunities for research partnerships and innovation in emerging fields.
- Coworking Spaces: The district is home to modern coworking facilities that encourage collaboration and innovation, especially for small businesses and freelancers.
- Business Hubs and Events: Regular business events, forums, and networking opportunities enable investors and entrepreneurs to connect and grow within the district.