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The region

Find out how EEDA is making a difference in your area using our interactive map. Explore the East of England and read about just some of the projects that are changing communities and people's lives. You can also see details of EEDA events near you.

Read more about the region.

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Use the map above to move around the region and find examples of EEDA activity near you, including case studies of our impact and events. You can click on the pushpins to read more or browse through our different priorities by using the 'advanced options' link.

The East of England is the UK's ideas region. The region comprises the six counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and the unitary authorities of Peterborough, Luton, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock.

With London on the region's doorstep, the East of England is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing regions in the UK.

The region's economy is worth over £109.9 billion a year. It is home to over 430,000 businesses and 5.6 million people.

The East of England is characterised by a number of flourishing medium-sized towns and cities - each with its own distinctive character and strengths.

These urban centres are complemented by extensive rural areas. These have diverse economies including a strong tourism industry supported by miles of beautiful coastline.

The region benefits from its:

Read some key facts about the East of England.

Location

The East of England has excellent international transport links by air and sea, and fast access to London. Stansted and Luton airports allow easy access to the whole of Europe and beyond.

There are seven major seaports in the region, with Felixstowe being the largest and fastest growing container port in the UK. It accounts for 40 per cent of the UK's container traffic and is the fifth largest port in Europe.

Several proposed port expansions further underline the region's importance in providing economic 'arteries' to the rest of the country.

Knowledge economy

The region is part of the Greater South East economic powerhouse - a 'super region'. It has knowledge capabilities that are vital to the continued success of the UK economy, including:

  • five of the world's top ranked universities
  • the third highest level of business expenditure on research and development in Europe
  • a global financial hub
  • a vibrant technology sector
  • creative and cultural centres of excellence.

The East of England has access to world-leading environmental expertise through its research institutions, universities and centres of excellence. It has the highest investment in research and development of any UK region.

Environmental values

The region is rich in biodiversity, landscape and built heritage.

The East of England has world famous nature reserves. Easy access to beautiful countryside from all its urban centres provides relief from modern fast-paced life, allowing space to think, relax and play.

Historically a gateway between England and mainland Europe, the East of England has a rich and varied history. From Stone Age flint mines to Roman strongholds, medieval cities to stately homes, the region has a diverse heritage.

The green spaces and cultural assets mean that residents and visitors can enjoy a rich mix of natural beauty, heritage, arts and modern living.

Economic performance

The East of England has one of the fastest growing regions in the UK, both in terms of population and economy.

Our dynamic economy contributes £109.9 billion towards the UK's gross value added (GVA) figure - almost ten per cent of the UK total.

Of our 5.6 million population 82 per cent are economically active, the highest proportion in the UK.

The East of England makes an increasingly valuable contribution to national competitiveness - one of only three English regions that contribute more tax revenue than they receive. The East of England therefore generates wealth for the treasury that can be reinvested across the UK.

Our thriving economy is due in large part to our research heritage - we spend three times the UK average on commercial research and development. Additionally, we have world-class research activity in our leading universities; the University of Cambridge has more Nobel Prize winners associated with it than any other university in the world.

What sets the East of England apart is our entrepreneurial spirit, how we develop and capitalise on ideas and inventions. We collaborate and think innovatively about how we bring products to market.

Infrastructure

The region's growing economy creates increasing pressures on housing, transport and other infrastructure and services. The region is planning and preparing for this growth.

Sustaining this economic growth relies heavily on improving infrastructure, whether physical, social or environmental.

Transport plays an important role in the economy of a place and there are many projects underway that will prevent excessive congestion and improve the connectivity in and around the region.

Links

For information about locating a business in the East of England visit http://www.eeia.com/.

For information about visiting the East of England visit http://www.visiteastofengland.com/.
 

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