Of all UK regions the East of England has the highest concentration of research and development facilities. With the University of Cambridge at its heart, that is no surprise. The University also attracts many multinationals and technically-oriented startups.
The region is highly dependent on the services sector but also has strong automotive and pharmaceutical industries. Life sciences & health, AgriTech, IT and high-tech systems & materials are also designated growth sectors for this region.
Agriculture is a major industry in the region. The Fens is the UK's most important area for commercial arable farming. The UK’s poultry and pig farms are centred largely in the East of England.
Finally, there are many publishers in the region.
East of England
Economy
Total output (GDP), 2019 |
£190 billion |
GDP per head |
£30,622 |
Businesses
Number of businesses, 2020 |
737,657 |
Annual % change in businesses, 2020 |
% |
Import (2020)
- Value goods from the world: £40,1 billion
- Value goods from the Netherlands: £ billion
- Main partners: Germany, Netherlands, China, United States of America
- Main products: machinery & transport equipment, chemical products, , manufactured products, food & live animals
Export (2020)
- Value goods from the world: £26,8 billion
- Value goods from the Netherlands: £ billion
- Main partners: United States of America, Germany, Netherlands, China
- Main products: machinery & transport equipment, chemical products, manufactured products and food & live animals