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Welcome to Hampshire, let’s work together.
Business Hampshire is the economic development service of Hampshire County Council.
© Hampshire County Council 2019
A strong and growing economy
With an economic output totalling £50bn Hampshire is one of the most successful economies in the UK and the largest sub-regional economy in the South East of England.
A large and diverse business population is a key factor in Hampshire’s sustained prosperity with prominent sectors including Digital, Aerospace and Defence, Marine and Maritime and Financial Services. We are also home to the strategic operations of many major corporate brands; IBM, Zurich, BAE Systems, HSBC, Airbus, Carnival – all these and more have a significant presence.
Find out more about Hampshire's sectors
A knowledge-intensive innovation hub
The South East of England is the leading innovation hub for the UK, with the highest concentration of corporate research and development activity. Hampshire benefits from key technology specialisms encompassing composites, autonomous systems, IOT, and photonics.
A connected economy – internationally and digitally
Hampshire is the most export-intensive county and represents over a fifth of all exports in the South East of England. We are a truly international gateway location; close to London and offering excellent access to Heathrow with routes to over 200 destinations, as well as being the UK’s only dedicated business aviation airport, at Farnborough. Southampton Port is the UK’s leading export port, handling £40bn of manufactured goods every year, 90% of which is destined for non-EU markets. We also have ambitions to be one of the first truly 5G connected regions of the UK.
Find out more about connectivity
An environment for business to thrive
Hampshire has close to 25,000 businesses in knowledge-intensive sectors, employing 163,000 workers. Business survival rates are higher than either the UK or South East averages. In recent years, Hampshire has also seen the number of high growth businesses increase much faster than both regional and national averages.
Live, work and enjoy
Consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the UK, Hampshire offers a world-class natural environment – including two national parks – and is one of the key sailing centres on the beautiful south coast of England.
Find out more about living in Hampshire
Hampshire Stories
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