Business

There are currently over 230,000 people employed in the Thames Gateway South Essex economy, with an ambitious target of 55,000 additional jobs to be created by 2012. Around 55,000 people commute to London every day, but in return over 70,000 commute into the area to work. Employment rates are high, but there is a significant amount of part time and low value work in sectors such as retail and distribution.

South Essex is home to global brands including Unilever, Olympus and Ford, as well as locally grown companies like Musto. All of them are characterised by a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.

New opportunities exist in medical devices, automotive and aviation engineering, environmental technologies and logistics.