Key Sectors in Thurrock

Thurrock offers particular opportunity to investors in certain sectors which are set to grow fast over the next decades.

Transport and logistics is one of Thurrock’s traditional strengths. Located on the Thames, close to London and with excellent access to South East England and Europe, it has become a centre for transport and distribution.

The Port of Tilbury is London’s major port providing fast, modern distribution services for the benefit of the south east of England. Tilbury’s strategic location on the River Thames, makes it the natural point for distribution for developments such as the 2012 Olympics and the Thames Gateway. Serving the UK’s market for forest products, general cargo, vehicles, grain and other bulks, the port offers customers excellent transport links to and from the capital and across the South East.

Lakeside Retail Basin is a retail hub that serves a population well beyond the Thurrock area. Retail – covering motor sales, food and beverages, clothing, footwear, furniture and household – accounts for almost a quarter of all jobs in the borough. The prospective developments at Lakeside also offer good opportunities for the development of the Leisure sector.

We expect significant growth in construction as major project activity in the broader Thames Gateway area, including the 2012 Olympics, comes onstream.

The business sector will thrive as professional services such as accountancy and legal services, back office processing activities, business related consultancy, and computer and IT services will increase in the Borough.

Thurrock is also home to a range of new environment, energy and recycling businesses – and to the large industrial companies that use their services. The Thames Gateway commitment to sustainability means there is significant regional demand for a whole range of environmental services that can be sited in Thurrock.

Another sector core to the development of Thurrock is the creative and cultural sector. Across the Gateway, a range of schemes exist to encourage its development. Investment in key facilities such as the New Generation Community Hospital and Learning Campus in Grays will also create fresh opportunities in the public sector for Thurrock.