Starting a Business in South East England

Affluent commuter belt around London. Strong demand for home services, trades, childcare, and retail.

At a Glance

GDP per capita

£38k

Commercial rent

£28/sq ft/yr

5yr survival rate

46%

Population

9.2M

Unique Opportunities in South East

✓High household income — premium services viable
✓Tourism coast (Brighton, Whitstable, Isle of Wight)
✓Science parks — Harwell, Surrey Research Park
✓Channel ports — logistics/freight (Dover, Southampton)

Top Sectors in South East

Retail

2–8% net margin

Health & Wellness

15–35% net margin

Grant & Funding Sources

💰South East LEP Growth Hub
💰Innovate UK
💰Rural Payments Agency (Kent/Surrey)

Counties & Areas

SurreyKentEast SussexWest SussexHampshireBerkshireOxfordshireBuckinghamshire