General Overview

Harlow is ideally situated in the M11 corridor and close to Stansted Airport to make it an appealing location for new businesses and established enterprises wishing to locate.

The town has easy access to the motorway network with close proximity to London and Cambridge.  Continued growth at Stansted Airport also provides the potential for associated business growth. 

Over the years Harlow has developed a strong base of major employers such as GSK, Raytheon and Pitney Bowes, with the more recent additions of Tesco and Comet regional distribution centres. 

The town's economic strategy is to secure the growth of a vibrant Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector in Harlow and provide increased opportunities for higher level employment.

Opportunities for business growth in the coming years are considerable. Population expansion of 50% over the next 15 years provides the potential for further economic opportunities along with major potential for further local and regional supply chain development. 

Future initiatives include:
• Increasing the number of businesses, particularly SMEs located in Harlow
• Facilitating an increase in the number of employees
• Increasing the skill levels of Harlow residents
• Reducing the number of businesses ceasing trading and businesses seeking to move away from Harlow
• Increasing the perception of Harlow as the place to do business.