Luton is one of the most successful towns in England to attract businesses to start up and one of the highest national rates for sustainable small start-up businesses. The town’s success in building relationships with businesses continues to grow not only locally but also abroad.
It has:
superb infrastructure
skilled workforce
new houses
investment in sustainable travel
improvements to road travel
97.6% of Luton residents already enjoy a connection to superfast broadband
Business and commerce
Luton is a key area for business and commerce in the South East of England, meeting the changing face of industry and business. It is becoming one of the leading areas for business growth in the UK.
In recent years more than 30 companies have relocated in Luton bringing in investments of over £60m. New and existing companies are thriving in the local economy with a number of major companies have chosen Luton for their headquarters including:
Astra Zeneca UK (pharmaceuticals)
Leonardo (research headquarters)
Ernst & Young
TUI Travel Plc
easyJet
SKF
Hayward Tyler
MTL (Cooper industries)
Stag / InBev the global brewers and drinks industry leaders
Express Newspaper Group
Luton is also home to Vauxhalls’ head office, the European customer care centre, warehouse and van manufacturing plant.
Capability Green and the Butterfield Business Park, incorporating the award winning Innovation Centre and Business Base, offer state-of-the-art, contemporary and sustainable buildings for a variety of businesses to be located, including:
corporate headquarters
serviced offices
bespoke buildings for R&D
manufacturing and technology
Luton is receptive to change and takes every opportunity to draw in funds to support its infrastructure and growing businesses. The strong and vibrant economy is sustained through very positive relationships with major strategic partners and businesses within its main business clusters.
Skills and training
Luton is one of the largest towns in South East England, with a population of over 215,000 residents. Vocational analysis shows clear advantages for Luton and the wider conurbation in:
air transport
motor vehicles
medical and precision instruments
ICT
aerospace
food and drink
Luton has a multi-lingual, highly skilled, local workforce, further enhanced by good transport links to a widespread catchment area, extending through Bedfordshire, surrounding counties and down to north London.
There is a wide and active membership on the learning, skills and employment themes within the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP). Excellent education opportunities are available for everyone who lives, works or studies here – not only during school years but throughout life from early years and childcare, through to college and university.
The Luton skills and opportunities programme is a strategic priority for the council ensuring there is a skilled adaptable workforce with the right mix of qualifications and skills to fulfil employer’s requirements.
Linking employers and education providers
The council prioritise business engagement activities with business sectors that have the potential for significant employment growth in the town:
creative arts and media
technology
aerospace and aviation
advanced manufacturing engineering and automotive
With all these successes Luton has much more to offer, come and embrace our successful and growing town.