Exeter: A better climate for business

A thriving commercial and administrative centre, Exeter is also an exciting and inspiring place in which to live and work. It has been and continues to be one of the most important leaders and drivers of economic growth. It is no surprise that world-class organisations like the Met Office have moved to enjoy the city’s excellent opportunities for state-of-the-art accommodation, high standard of recruits, transport links and first-class lifestyle. Operational and accommodation costs are very competitive. Recent significant investments include the £225m city centre Princesshay development, transforming the city’s retail and evening economies. The city is home to a diverse range of regional or national headquarters, including amongst others EDF Energy, Pennon Group, Friends Provident, Flybe and BT.

Characteristics of Exeter’s workforce are loyalty, flexibility and educational attainment above the national average. Salary levels are competitive and being here provides employers with the proven advantage of attracting high-calibre staff drawn locally and from further afield. This is also an effective place to recruit bright, young graduates, with over 20,000 people in further education and post-graduate education in the city. Employment numbers are up nearly 40 percent since 1998.

The University of Exeter and the Peninsula Medical School have gained awards for their pioneering work with national and international partners. New developments further building the progressive nature of the city include a Science Park prominently located on the M5/A30 interchange, the rapidly expanding Exeter International Airport, Skypark, the area’s newest strategic employment site and Cranbrook – a new well-planned urban community. The recently opened University Innovation Centre provides accommodation and support for up to 50 knowledge-based organisations.

MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS
Joint working between Exeter and East Devon Councils, the County Council and the South West of England Regional Development Agency has strengthened the pace of change on the eastern side of the city. Major developments being progressed include:

EXETER SCIENCE PARK
A partnership between the University, Met Office, South West of England Regional Development Agency, Exeter City Council, East Devon District Council and Devon County Council are progressing plans to deliver the 25 hectare Science Park, near junction 29 of the M5 Exeter. When complete, this will position the local economy at the forefront of technological and scientific research and demonstrate the quality of life, scientific and innovative capacity and ambitions of the city of Exeter and the wider region.

BUSINESS PARK – SKYPARK
Complementing the role of the Science Park, the 37 hectare Skypark will provide extensive modern office and industrial space facilitating some 7,000 additional jobs near Exeter International Airport, close to the motorway and the planned inter-modal rail freight terminal.

PRINCESSHAY
Princesshay opened just before Christmas 2007, adding to the diversity of the city’s 300 independent retailers and many national names. Land Securities invested £225m and created 530,000 sq ft of retail space and residential apartments, including sixty new shops and restaurants providing more choice, visitors and jobs. Princesshay is pivotal in reinforcing the city’s position as a prosperous vibrant city and prominent regional centre.

BUSINESS COMMUNITY
Exeter and its sub-region is a great place to do business. Every organisation can be part of a close and supportive public and private community which continues to be instrumental in the city being amongst the most economically successful in the country. You’ll join a significant number of regional and national employers located here. There are also many other businesses offering professional services to the region, nationally and internationally.

COMMUNICATIONS
A first-class telecommunications network serves the area, capable of meeting the needs of any organisation. There are also good reliable road and rail links. Exeter International Airport serves a wide range of UK and European destinations as well as a number of international hub airports.

UNIVERSITY OF THE YEAR
As a top-20 university, Exeter University caters for some 11,000 students and gained acclaim as the Times Higher Education University of the Year 2007. Particular specialisms are IT, multimedia, healthcare, engineering – including engineering of ‘smart materials’ – electronics, biotechnology including systems biology, the environment including climate change impact, business, leadership management and international finance. Research at the Peninsula Medical School focuses on several specialised areas including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, environmental influences on health and innovations in clinical education.

LOCATION MATTERS
Exeter and its sub region does provide a better business climate. Meeting your location and operational needs matters to us. You can search our on-line commercial property register for an insight into the array of sites and buildings available at www.exeterandtheheartofdevon.org.uk.

Do bear in mind that there is a wide choice of citywide locations including prestigious city centre settings, modern out-of-town business parks and the potential of new sites. Conversely, if it’s important to your organisation, within the city’s wider area you can find accessible sites and buildings in attractive market town and rural settings. Information on typical rents and rates paid for prime offices in comparable cities is available to demonstrate this among other cost advantages.

The travel to work area genuinely can boast high levels of attainment in its state primary and secondary schools, including some national leaders. Additionally, the area is well served by a range of prestigious private schools. Within Exeter, all of the High Schools moved into new buildings in 2006 following an extensive building programme. Exeter, East Devon, South Devon and Bicton further
education colleges help many people of all ages to achieve outstanding results and progress towards their aspirations.

LIVING HERE
We know from experience that it is easier to attract and retain staff if their other interests are well catered for. Exeter is close to many areas of outstanding natural beauty with Dartmoor, Exmoor, many river valleys, market towns, villages and superb coastlines and seascapes within easy reach. Exmouth marks the start of the World Heritage site of the Jurassic Coast and is just one of many local beaches.

With an extensive range of leisure facilities, a year-long programme of festivals, and many live entertainment/music venues, there’s always something to satisfy a very wide range of interests. As far as shopping is concerned, Exeter has an excellent mix of small interesting shops and quality national names. Exeter is recognised as one of the top 20 cities in the UK to eat out, and in the wider area you’ll find award winning restaurants, food festivals, markets and vineyards.

A move can provide real opportunities for your organisation to become more effective in many different ways. If you are considering a move we will work with you throughout the whole process. We also do not walk away once your decision is made and our support can be intensive but bespoke. We can organise early site visits and introductions, data provision, supporting board reports, introductions to the business community and work closely with you on staff consultation, communication or relocation.

We’ll support you by providing advice on everything from housing issues to getting children into schools, and help communicate the advantages of the area to your staff. In other words, we will work with you where it is important to realising your objectives and plans.

FURTHER INFORMATION:
tel +44 (0)1392 265134
invest@exeter.gov.uk
www.exeter.gov.uk
fax +44 (0)1392 265625