Why Solihull?
Solihull has an economy comparable with the South East and has seen economic growth at a rate amongst the highest in England as a key location for international business investment.
Reasons to Invest
Business Sectors
Workforce
Solihull is the chosen location for international investment and has a unique blend of assets that provide a compelling business destination.
Globally connected
An international business gateway, with the convergence of road, rail and air transport modes, central location and superfast digital connectivity. Home to proposed High Speed Rail interchange, Birmingham Airport, two UK mainline rail routes and at the heart of the motorway network.
World Class Skills
A highly qualified and accessible workforce, with a catchment of 35 million people within a two hour drive time and five highly regarded universities within a 12 mile radius.
Industry Strengths
Combining established manufacturing and ICT expertise with emerging sectors of medical science, advanced engineering and green technologies
Aspirational lifestyle
The ‘town in the country’ - a distinctive combination of urban living and rural amenity, providing the perfect work-life balance. A national reputation for education, exceptional choice of quality housing and easy access to leisure and cultural pursuits within the region make it a great place to live and bring up a family.
Business Parks and Developments
Ranging from Grade A office space to flexible design and build opportunities, bespoke to company needs
Network and Support
Solihull Council and partners provide a comprehensive package of support to ensure business growth and success
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Supported by a highly qualified skills base and strong track record in high value business activities, Solihull continues to draw interest from global corporations to small entrepreneurial businesses alike, paving the way for innovation and growth.
Automotive
World class strength and international profile, anchored by investment and growth at Jaguar Land Rover and the associated supply chain – including IT, logistics and facilities management
Aerospace
Focus both on advanced manufacturing and engineering, as the chosen location for Aero Engine Components and Monarch and world class research and testing expertise at TRW Conekt
Utilities and Energy
Long-standing strengths and expertise, home to RWE nPower, the Energy Technologies Institute and the Sector Skills Council – Energy & Utility Skills, with increasing investment from the renewable energy sector
Construction and Building Technologies
A strong track record in attracting headquarters and project management functions, including Kier Group Homes, Balfour Beatty, Lafarge and BAM
Specialist Business Services
Niche strengths in Marketing, Advertising, PR and other creative consultancy as the chosen location for McCann Ericsson and Cogent Elliott. Also a centre for the Financial Services industry, as the UK headquarters for credit providers Paragon Finance, Secure Trust Bank and LaSer
Cultural Buzz
Supported by the National Exhibition Centre and associated services within the retail, leisure and logistics sectors
Technology
Providing solutions to support associated sectors, ranging from, software development and consultancy to new mobile products and specialised activities – for example servicing the automotive and energy sectors
Healthcare
Exploiting the opportunities associated with areas of expertise within local NHS Trusts
Sustainability
The heart of Solihull’s offer as a business location, offering skills and expertise across a wide range of business sectors
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• Solihull’s accessibility results in a labour pool of over 5.3 million people within the West Midlands and 35 million people within a two hour drive time
• Highly skilled workforce – 33% qualified to NVQ Level 4 (degree level) and above
• Over 50% of workforce employed in managerial and technical professions
• Highly productive workforce – Gross Value Added per employee is highest in the region
• Aston, Birmingham, Coventry, Birmingham City and Warwick universities are located within a 12 mile radius - with world renowned expertise in areas such as engineering, medical innovation and business schools
• Nationally recognised high performing schools and sixth forms
• Home to Solihull College – one of the region’s leading employee training providers
• Entrepreneurial culture and strength – ranked third in the UK for ‘enterprise’ by Santander and high two year business survival rates
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