SME’s account for 90% of those employed in London’s manufacturing sector.

10 key facts about the manufacturing base in London and the UK.

• Economic powerhouse: Manufacturing accounts for 17% of the national gross domestic product (GDP), contributes half of all UK exports and employs over 3 million people [1]. 
• R&D hub: Total manufacturing R&D expenditure in the UK exceeds $25 billion [2].    Foreign affiliates account for about one third of this.  R&D specialty includes a broad range of sectors: aerospace, high performance cars, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, bioscience, food processing, ICT and advanced materials.
• London predominance:  Manufacturing is a strong, diverse component of the London economy providing more than 300,000 jobs - 8% of the capital’s workforce - and producing output of $18 billion [3]. 
• Top brand base: Global corporations manufacturing in London include Coca Cola, Ford, Anheuser-Busch, Alcatel-Lucent, Sanofi-Aventis, United Biscuits, Tate & Lyle, Wilkinson Sword, Dairy Crest.
• High GVA: Manufacturing in London accounts for 7% gross value added (GVA) compared with 14% for the UK as a whole [4]. 
• High productivity: London has the highest manufacturing productivity of any region in the UK, some 25% above the national average.  In London’s two largest production sectors, print & publishing and food & drink, the figure rises to 30% [5]. 
• Modern and sustainable:  Manufacturing in London is non-polluting, sustainable, light industry - such as printing, electronics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, aerospace and food production
• Government support:  The London Development Agency (LDA) has invested over $28 million to help London manufacturers retain their international competitiveness edge through improved technology, design and staff training. It also helps them successfully export, develop niche markets and win more public sector contracts.
• Funding incentives: London is the only European capital to offer capital grants.  Through the Selective Finance for Investment (SFI) programme, companies can apply for a direct grant of between 7.5-15% of eligible capital expenditure dependent on location and the company’s size.
• Growth prospects:  Thames Gateway  in East London is at the heart of Europe’s largest regeneration scheme, has significant development opportunities and is a focus for modern, technology based manufacturing.

Think London has a proven track record in helping overseas organisations succeed in London. We’v e helped nearly 1,000 companies from 40 countries set up or expand here.

Contact us to find out how we can help your company grow.

[1] London Technology Network
[2] National Statistics
[3] London Technology Network
[4] National Statistics
[5] London Development Agency