West Kent is the highest performing, most productive region, in Kent and Medway. The region is home to 361,000 people, generating £15.12bn in GDP and £12.77bn in GVA. West Kent benefits from greater integration into UK and international markets, with close connections to London, Gatwick Airport and Europe (through the channel ports and HS1).

The West Kent region is home to 19,095 businesses, supporting over 204,000 jobs. It is an international destination, home to key service and distributive exporters such as Amazon, AXA Healthcare, Childrensalon and DHL. It also accommodates an innovative range of agri-tech operations and local producers across our extensive high value rural land, distributing to both UK and international locations.

This economy is built on knowledge drawn from education institutions and a highly skilled local populace, good infrastructure links, high productivity and innovation, and a business environment and work-life balance that attracts talented people and businesses to West Kent every day.

The West Kent economy is built on a highly skilled resident base, and this is reflected in the clusters of knowledge-intensive industries which operate locally. Almost 48 percent of residents are qualified to NVQ4+ (degree level and above), well above the UK average (43%) and the rest of Kent and Medway (41%).

These foundations are based on excellent local schools, which then send students off to top international universities and fast-tracked career opportunities.

West Kent is uniquely positioned in close proximity to London, Gatwick and the channel ports. Regular rail services direct to London Bridge can be caught from Swanley (20 mins), Sevenoaks (22 mins), Tonbridge (31 mins), Paddock Wood (40 mins) and Tunbridge Wells (44 mins). Gatwick Airport can also be accessed by train connections from Tonbridge and by car within 45 minutes from most locations in West Kent.

The region is also served by the M20 and M25 motorways, providing easy access to the Greater London Area, the South of England, Midlands, and mainland Europe. This integrated infrastructure network has allowed for considerable investment and growth in distribution and other export focused operations in recent years.

West Kent is the most productive and entrepreneurial region in Kent and Medway. Self-employment is well above the UK average (16.6% vs. 9.9%) and this is a reflection of an environment that allows people to explore and achieve their ambitions. From agri-tech operations to creative and pharmaceutical industries, sectoral clusters in West Kent are at the cutting edge of R&D – building on close connections with London and internationally recognised research organisations.

Coupled with the strong entrepreneurial character of the West Kent economy, local businesses are able to undertake dynamic and innovative work, driving positive change in their industries, in their communities and the wider United Kingdom.

West Kent is home to a wide variety of both contemporary and renovated historic commercial spaces, providing opportunities for those looking to invest, develop or relocate.

Flexibility is at the heart of the region’s commercial character, offering those with close operational connections to London and Europe with options for both fluid and fixed footprints. This is demonstrable in the rapid development of coworking spaces across all urban centres in West Kent, bringing freelancers, creatives and communities together.

With ambitions to become one of the most sustainable regions in Northern Europe and a centre for innovation, West Kent is a region where business, culture and creatives flourish. Our walkable and frequently cyclable historic towns are packed with heritage, arts, family and community spaces, providing a balanced traditional and cosmopolitan feel. These urban centres sit within two areas of outstanding natural beauty (the High Weald and Kent Downs National Landscapes), with parkland, outdoor activities, castles and heritage destinations, sporting venues and a vast network of public footpaths and bridleways connecting it all.

In addition to the great outdoors, a combination of outstanding schools, an array of family friendly attractions, new housing developments and close connections for day trips to London and Brighton make West Kent an ideal location for your family.

Businesses choose West Kent for all the reasons above. But the main reason to locate here is our connectivity, which means you don’t have to compromise between your business and your life. In West Kent you can be close to the heart of London, in the countryside, surrounded by innovative businesses, in cosmopolitan culture-rich towns with vibrant communities, all in a place where you can build your business and your life.

In West Kent you are part of both a resident community and business community, with networks stretching out across the region. Our entrepreneurial identity and high representation of skilled freelancers means that you can find and rely on local expertise to address challenges to your business and unlock growth opportunities unavailable elsewhere.