A look at the projected growth of the regions with links to key investment opportunities and data for the main cities
South East
The South East of England, home to more than 9m people, is the most productive part of the UK outside London and consistently outperforms the rest of the country in job growth, according to the Office for National Statistics.
The region’s economy benefits from its close proximity to London, which is likely to strengthen with Crossrail and the further electrification of rail lines.
Its economy is diverse, with a major port in Southampton, tech companies popping up in and around the M4, and financial services companies dotted around Brighton, Milton Keynes and Reading. Overseas interest is also strong, with 11% of all the UK’s inward FDI projects targeting the region – second only to London.
South East: Projected growth 2017-2027
18.4%
total GVA
13.3%
GVA per employee
4.5%
employment
Source: Cebr/Irwin Mitchell
READ MORE: Regional investment guide to Southampton
South West
Between Cornwall and Bristol, the South West is the largest and most economically diverse part of the UK, according to KPMG. Aeronautics in Bristol, IT and telecoms in Bath, tourism in Cornwall and agriculture in Devon scratch the surface of what the region produces.
From 2014 to 2017, productivity in the South West accelerated, rivalling London and the South East, largely due to its service sectors, according to EY.
In both the South West and Wales, small businesses make up a larger part of the local economy than the national average.
Though diversity brings challenges, parts of the region are united under the West of England Combined Authority and devolution has given the region a £1bn budget to improve housing, transport and connectivity.
South West: Projected growth 2017-2027
15.1%
total GVA
10%
GVA per employee
4.6%
employment
Source: Cebr/Irwin Mitchell
READ MORE: Regional investment guide to Bristol
Wales
The distance between England and Wales is closing. The toll on the Severn Bridge – the main access point to South Wales – will be scrapped this year. Removing it could deliver a £100m boost to the economy according to the Welsh Assembly government.
According to EY, Wales is one of the few regions in the UK where growth in 2017-2020 is expected to be greater than between 2014-2017. Although it receives a low level of exports, the inward FDI growth rate has been a strong 17% in the past four years.
Although much of the Welsh economy is dependent on the south of the country, plans have been approved for a major new nuclear power station in Wylfa, on the northern tip of Wales.
Wales: Projected growth 2017-2027
12.1%
total GVA
10.4%
GVA per employee
1.5%
employment
