Business in Basildon - the commercial centre of South Essex

Second largest economy in the Thames Gateway

Basildon is part of the Thames Gateway, the UK Government's largest Regeneration initiative, and a priority area for development.

Basildon has the second largest economy in the Thames Gateway outside of London.

Basildon is the commercial centre of South Essex with a broad, thriving industrial base. Over 5,000 VAT registered businesses, including more than 2,000 manufacturing, construction and service companies and hundreds of stores and shops, successfully operate in the Basildon district.

Major employers call Basildon home

Major employers in Basildon include:

• Ford Motor Company UK
• First Data
• New Holland Agriculture.
• SELEX Galileo
• SELEX Communications
• International Financial Data Services (IFDS)
• PMS International
• Gardner Aerospace
• MK Electric
• Konica Minolta UK 

Private sector investment in Basildon's Research and Development sector is estimated at over £200 million per year.

Excellent access to London, its airports, and DP World's London Gateway

The district is an attractive location for the office market. It has a superb communications network, and the heart of London is only 30 miles away with easy access to the M25 from which all London airports can be reached.

Airport services

• London City Airport
• London Gatwick Airport
• London Heathrow Airport
• London Stansted Aiport

Rail services

The district also has good rail access with travel time from Fenchurch Street, London to Basildon approximately 30 minutes. and from Liverpool Street, London to Basildon's two satellite towns of Billericay and Wickford also approximately 35 minutes.

Fenchurch Street Station, London, connecting to: 

• Laindon Station
• Basildon Station
• Pitsea Station

 Liverpool Street Station, London connecting to Basildon's two satellite towns Billericay and Wickford at:

• Billericay Station
• Wickford Station.

Seaport and container services

Basildon is only 4 miles from a 21st Century major deep-sea container port and Europe's largest logistics park at,

• DP World’s London Gateway.

Strong retail offer

The District's retail activity is centred around the Basildon, Billericay, Wickford, Laindon, and Pitsea town centres, the 757,000 square foot Eastgate Shopping Centre (which houses 120 shops and restaurants) and the Westgate Park in Basildon Town Centre, out-of-town retail parks, and the 100-acre Festival Leisure Park.

• Eastgate Shopping Centre
• Festival Leisure Park Basildon

£2billion regeneration programme

The Basildon District is undergoing a major £2billion regeneration programme, which will further enhance its stature as the business hub of the sub-region.

Major projects planned include:

• the redevelopment of Basildon, Pitsea and Wickford town centres
• the creation of the Basildon Sporting Village, which it is expected will provide a training base for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Medical excellence and opportunities

Opened just 2 years ago, the £60 million 14,000 square metre Essex Cardiothoracic Centre at Basildon University Hospital offers potential spin-off opportunities in the medical sector, and Basildon Council and Basildon Renaissance Partnership are working with key stakeholders to explore opportunities to position Basildon as a national centre for medical and social care excellence.

Professional economic development team to help you

For more information or to explore the opportunities that the Basildon district presents for your business, please contact Basildon Council's full-service, professional economic development team.

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