After London the South East has the highest population density in the UK and is often referred to as the engine of the British economy. The region has the most varied economy of all UK regions. It is home to many international engineering and technology companies, particularly in the defence and aero industries. The region also has a flourishing space industry. Other well-developed sectors are IT, the pharmaceutical industry, BioTech and agriculture (mainly fruit). The Brighton area is a hotspot for the creative sector, including a concentration of interactive media.
South East
Economy
Total output (GDP), 2020 |
£327 billion |
GDP per head |
£35,631 |
Businesses
Number of businesses, 2021 |
875,200 |
Annual % change in businesses, 2021 |
- 6,1% |
Import (2020)
- Value goods from the world: £81.4 billion
- Value goods from the Netherlands: £6.7 billion
- Main partners: Germany, Netherlands, United States
Export (2020)
- Value goods from the world: £237.2 billion
- Value goods from the Netherlands: £3 billion
- Main partners: United States, Germany, France
Local Enterprise Partnerships:
Solent Thames Valley Berkshire
Coast to Capital Buckinghamshire
