District Profiles
Why invest in Babergh and Mid Suffolk
Key Statistics
Business and Innovation
We have 11,232 businesses in the region with a high level of innovation demonstrated by the 1,100 business start-ups in 2022. A high proportion of people are self employed (16.9%) and 90% are micro businesses with 0-9 people. There are 3 innovation centres at Sudbury, Stowmarket, The University of Suffolk and a Skills and Innovation Centre under development at Gateway 14.
We are already home to a substantial number of national and international businesses (such as those shown below), making it an attractive location for suppliers to locate close to major customers.
Connectivity
The region is well connected by road, rail and sea to London, Cambridge, Ipswich and Norwich as well as to northern Europe via ferry connections from Felixstowe and Harwich. Likewise, London Stanstead airport is only 45 minutes away by road.
Quality of Life
We have a local population of around 200,000 in an area that has consistently been voted as among the best places to live in the country. Not surprisingly, the high quality of life is a key point for investors. In particular, the districts’ culture and tourism assets form part of the package and establish the area as an attractive area to live, work and visit.
The region is rural in nature and has five key market towns Stowmarket, Sudbury, Hadleigh, Eye and Needham Market. The town visions will continue to develop these towns to grow, be sustainable and continue to have great quality of life.
biodiversity zone at Gateway 14, artist’s impression
Data Resources
Information about the region can be found in a number of places including The Suffolk Observatory, The Office of National Statistics (ONS) , and NOMIS. The ONS also has a census page with relevant information from the last census.
