Opportunities in East Hampshire

East Hampshire is an excellent location for business development and presents a good choice for the future of your business. The District is conveniently located in South East England, between London and the South Coast, with easy access to national and international markets.

The District is unrivalled for its high quality of life and renowned for its beautiful countryside and heath lands. East Hampshire successfully combines a rich natural heritage with prosperous market towns and villages, offering a unique blend to residents, businesses and visitors alike. The district thrives on its reputation as a quality location in which to do business, work and live. The local environment and range of services are particularly important reasons why companies have located, expanded and remained in East Hampshire.

The area has a total landmass of 514 sq km and a population of 111,700 with above average incomes. This provides strong local market opportunities for the retail, leisure, professional, health and care service sectors. The area represents a good value location with access to a skilled local workforce.

East Hampshire possesses a vibrant modern economy with a strong tradition of innovation and an active entrepreneurial business community. The economic buoyancy of the area is reflected in the density and variety of business activity ranging from agricultural to information technology and business services. East Hampshire is home to over 6,000 businesses concentrated in the agriculture, construction, tourism, advanced manufacturing, finance, business services, retail, education and health sectors.

There has never been a better time to invest in East Hampshire. Local opportunities for investment include:
- Proposals to create the Whitehill Bordon Eco-town, with advanced environmentally friendly technology.
- The A3 Hindhead Tunnel – opening mid-2011 – providing quicker access to London
- The creation of the South Downs National Park, bringing more tourists to the area and safeguarding the natural environment.
- Regeneration potential in towns and villages.
- Commercial opportunities concentrated in the towns of Alton, Petersfield and Whitehill Bordon.

Business East Hants – East Hampshire’s business partnership
Business East Hants is a business-led partnership serving businesses in East Hampshire. The purpose of the partnership is to: ‘Lead the development, improvement and promotion of economic growth, business engagement and business support in the District.’

The Partnership serves as the voice of the business community. It enables businesses to take collective action in order to inform and influence policy to meet local business and economic needs. It also provides a mechanism for getting businesses to work together to achieve business growth and sustainable economic development.

Membership of the business partnership has many benefits, including:
- An avenue for exchanging ideas.
- Networking opportunities
- Business development, training  and support
- Access to information services
- Access to key decision making bodies in the public sector.

Business development and support in East Hampshire
The District Council has a dedicated team of economic development professionals supporting the local economy. The team provides support and advice to those thinking of starting a business, new businesses, existing businesses and those wishing to invest in or relocate to the district. The team, together with partner organisations and agencies, provides businesses with a range of advice, information and sign posting with a view to encouraging growth, competitiveness and investment.

To find out more call: 01730 234168, fax: 01730 234385, email: business@easthants.gov.uk or visit: easthants.gov.uk/business. For details about Business East Hants, visit: www.easthants.gov.uk/beh