UK Regions — Where to Start Your Business
Every region in the UK has a different commercial rent landscape, grant ecosystem, and sector strengths. Compare them to find where your business will thrive.
| Region | GDP / capita | Rent £/sq ft/yr | 5yr survival | Top sector | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| London | £58k | £65 | 42% | Professional Services | View → |
| South East England | £38k | £28 | 46% | Trades Construction | View → |
| East of England | £32k | £22 | 47% | Agriculture | View → |
| Scotland | £31k | £16 | 43% | Agriculture | View → |
| South West England | £30k | £18 | 45% | Agriculture | View → |
| North West England | £29k | £20 | 43% | Hospitality | View → |
| West Midlands | £28k | £19 | 42% | Trades Construction | View → |
| East Midlands | £27k | £14 | 44% | Logistics | View → |
| Yorkshire & the Humber | £27k | £16 | 43% | Agriculture | View → |
| Northern Ireland | £27k | £9 | 40% | Professional Services | View → |
| Wales | £26k | £13 | 41% | Agriculture | View → |
| North East England | £24k | £10 | 39% | Trades Construction | View → |
All UK Regions
London
The UK's economic engine — highest density of businesses, talent, and capital. Best for professional services, hospitality, tech, and finance.
South East England
Affluent commuter belt around London. Strong demand for home services, trades, childcare, and retail.
South West England
Tourism powerhouse and growing tech hub. Agriculture, hospitality, and creative industries thrive here.
East of England
Agricultural heartland with a booming tech corridor along the M11. Cambridge and its ecosystem are world-class.
East Midlands
Manufacturing and logistics powerhouse. Low commercial rents and good motorway access make it ideal for distribution and retail.
West Midlands
UK's second city region. Manufacturing legacy with growing fintech, professional services, and hospitality.
Yorkshire & the Humber
Diverse economy from finance (Leeds) to agriculture (East Riding) and energy (Humber). Strong food & drink heritage.
North West England
Manchester and Liverpool anchor the UK's most dynamic northern region. Media, finance, fashion, and hospitality all strong.
North East England
Lowest commercial rents in England with strong government investment incentives. Trades, manufacturing, and energy sectors growing.
Wales
Devolved government with separate grant landscape. Strong in tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy.
Scotland
Devolved market with Scottish Enterprise support. Strengths in fintech, tourism, whisky, energy, and aquaculture.
Northern Ireland
Unique dual market access to UK and EU (Windsor Framework). Growing fintech, cybersecurity, and creative industries.