Locality guide

Devon is a diverse, dynamic place, full of genuine people who are resourceful and enterprising and businesses that are innovative and world leading. Come and share in our success….

Devon’s economy is growing faster than the national average and it’s no surprise! We are currently home to 51,000 VAT registered businesses and 86,000 self employed people. With a workforce of nearly three quarters of a million; and a population set to grow at twice the national rate, there are plenty of opportunities for new and growing businesses to expand and flourish.

We have four leading Higher Education Institutions including the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, which combined have over 46,000 students. The strength of our higher education resource means that our research and development capability is world class, and graduates provide a ready made and highly qualified workforce for Devon based businesses. Over a third of our workforce is qualified to degree level, higher than the national average and our students also provide a significant market for businesses locally.

Devon has inspired thousands of entrepreneurs to shape their ideas into successful businesses; as a consequence the county has a wealth of dynamic and innovative small businesses.  It is also home to many well known brands and world class businesses.

Operational costs within the county are very competitive and attractive. Devon businesses benefit from lower rents and rates comparable to other areas. And with crime rates considerably lower than the national average, it’s no wonder we are consistently voted as the best place to live in the UK.

We are also well connected with fast links to UK and European destinations, and with our £100m+ investment in superfast broadband, we are ready to support the dynamic and innovative businesses of the future.

The diversity of our economy and our landscape is a real strength. Our two cities of Plymouth and Exeter together with the major coastal conurbation of Torbay provide an array of business and leisure opportunities; state of the art employment sites; and excellent shopping to boot.

Our rural areas offer significant business advantages and host world leading manufacturers such as Actavis in Barnstaple and Forest Fuels in Okehampton. This is alongside two national parks, numerous bustling market and coastal towns and beautiful villages that nestle against a backdrop of unsurpassed natural beauty.

And our leisure facilities are second to none! Whether it’s shopping in Exeter, sailing in Dartmouth, rock climbing on Dartmoor or surfing in Croyde, Devon has it all, plus a great environment!