Uttlesford

Invest in Uttlesford

A great place to live, work, visit and invest.

Uttlesford is a unique district, largely rural in nature, with quintessential English villages brimming with chocolate box cottages and lively market towns where independent shops thrive whilst rubbing shoulders with national brands.  The district regularly features in ‘best places to live’ lists, offering excellent schooling and quality of life.

Sitting at the heart of the UK Innovation Corridor, an area of nationally significant functional economic growth, with an international airport and good road links to London and Cambridge, Uttlesford is a top location for business.

London Stansted Airport is the biggest single-site employer in the East of England and is currently the fourth busiest airport in the UK, providing over 12,000 jobs across over 200 companies and contributing £1 billion annually to the national economy.  Recently announced growth plans indicate another 5,000 jobs will be created over the next five years.

Chesterford Research Park, located in the north of the district, forms part of the Cambridge Cluster of life sciences and healthcare businesses within 20 miles of the centre of Cambridge. The cluster as a whole comprises 25,583 companies and in 2022/23 recorded a total turnover of £51bn. The Park offers advanced laboratory and office space set within 250 acres of idyllic parkland – modern, dynamic, flexible facilities perfectly appointed for biotechnology, pharmaceutical and technology R&D companies of all sizes. In 2024 the Park was home to 27 tenants including AstraZeneca, Isogenica, Microbiotica and Biomodal.

Economically Uttlesford is comparatively buoyant with low unemployment levels and residents having above average skills and income levels. In 2024 a total of 5,710 businesses operated within the borders, of these 91% are classified as micro operations employing fewer than 10 people.

If you are looking to find a location for your business that provides opportunities to grow, great facilities in stunning rural settings, plus provides a lifestyle that completes the package, then Uttlesford is where you should be.

Uttlesford District Council

The Councils Corporate Plan 2023-27 outlines our long term economic vision:

“We will support and promote a vibrant and diverse economy by attracting investment, facilitating business growth, enhancing skills and employability, and improving connectivity and infrastructure.”

The Economic Development Plan 2025-28 puts in place a framework to create an environment which is supportive of local businesses.

The Economic Development team are on hand to offer support and signpost you to the most relevant business advice services and finance available to help local businesses thrive.

Sign up for our free business newsletter to find up to date information on available support, finance, training, events and other information relevant to the business community.

Uttlesford is open for business, and we are keen to create a district where business leaders and entrepreneurs can be confident to make their home.  We want to help budding entrepreneurs to start-up, support businesses already based here to flourish and attract new investment.

Think Uttlesford for your business.

Contact us at business@uttlesford.gov.uk