Invest in Sunderland
There’s never been a better time to invest in and look at Sunderland as a place to start up, expand or relocate your business. Sunderland is continuing to prove itself as a city thriving with new investment and is upholding its recognised status as one of the best places in the UK to live and do business.
A key attraction for investors is the leading edge telecommunciations and network facilities available. Already recognised as one of the top ‘IT intelligent communities’ in the world, Sunderland is in the process of driving forward ambitious plans to become a hotbed for software development. Sunderland Software City aims to diversify the city’s industrial base and establish a vibrant software industry in the city. The initiative involves business, academia and the public sector, all working together to deliver an exciting vision for Sunderland as a leading 21st century city.
Sunderland’s computer software industry has helped the city top the business growth table up by 2.16% compared to the same period in 2007, according to the Royal Mail’s Business Barometer. Blue chip companies such as Barclays, EDF Energy, Northern Rock, Nissan, Nike and T-mobile have all chosen Sunderland to make their home.
Small and startup businesses are also finding Sunderland to be the ideal location to nurture their enterprise. Sunderland City Council provides competitive managed workspace for new and developing businesses. Places like the Stanfield and Pennywell Business Centres, offer a variety of managed space for businesses looking for a contemporary yet functional base while the purpose built Houghton Enterprise Centre is an ideal base for startup manufacturing firms. City centre locations such as the St Thomas Street Office Centre in the old River Wear Commissioners’ building and brand new facilities at Sunniside’s newly opened thePlace also offer attractive accommodation for new businesses.
The City Council is continuing to work in partnership with the private sector to attract fresh inward investment and create new jobs. Regeneration projects totalling more than £2 billion are currently underway, reshaping the city’s landscape and helping it achieve its aim of becoming the most liveable city in the UK.