There is a vibrant, dynamic business landscape that champions several key sectors, making the most of home-grown skills. Plus there’s ready access to apprenticeship schemes that nurture young talent. With London less than an hour away yet commercial property costing 77% less than in the capital, the area has an attractive offer with a rich source of new business clusters for anyone looking to locate here.
Creative and digital
Our area is a fast establishing hub for businesses in one of the UK’s fastest growing sectors – creative and digital media. In the last 15 years or so, Folkestone has benefited from significant regeneration, with investment by the Roger De Haan Trust into the Creative Quarter which is attracting this type of industry.
Folkestone’s status as an emerging digital and arts-based cluster has been boosted with the development of The Workshop which is providing high quality accommodation for this type of industry, along with its Factory Floor for start-ups.
Tourism and retail
Tourism and retail development sits at the heart of economic growth. We have a vast array of attractions – including the Quarterhouse in Folkestone, Port Lympne Wildlife Reserve near Hythe, and the attractive Leas Coastal Park – which all make us a tourism hot spot.
Overseas visitors spend in excess of £20 million a year in the area and day visitors spend up to £150 million. 12% of all employment is generated by the tourism industry. Major new plans for Folkestone Seafront are being delivered.
For further information on Tourism in our district, visit the Folkestone & Hythe website:
Success Stories
Business services
Our area offers professional and cost-effective local expertise for the business sector. With a journey time to London in just 53 minutes, the area has attracted a respectable community of professionals including lawyers, accountants and architects, many of whom operate in the capital too.
Logistics and distribution
Home to Eurotunnel, it’s self-evident why Folkestone has a sector strength in logistics and distribution. The Port of Dover, Europe’s busiest ferry port, is just 15 minutes away.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing operations benefit from a readily available workforce within the area. Commercial property sites are easily accessible with good motorway links plus access to the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel. Businesses can benefit from setting up their European supply chain here and run lines 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These can be increased within sites that have space to expand.
