In 2006 Portsmouth’s economy was
worth £4,357 million, an increase
of 51 per cent since 2000

Invest in the East Solent region

Spinnaker Tower Portsmouth - image courtesy of Gunwharf Quays In 2006 Portsmouth’s economy was worth £4,357 million, an increase of 51 per cent since 2000 (Source: Invest in Portsmouth).

Key sectors are Marine and Advanced Manufacturing and its emerging Business Services and Environmental Technology clusters.

Knowledge-based industries are thriving in the Portsmouth region too, with research, development, innovation and academic excellence at the forefront. The area has seen the development of a number of high-value niche specialisms, in areas such as biotechnology, software development, ICT, electronics and environmental technologies.

The region has clusters in hi-tech companies and R&D centres in IT, telecommunications, defence systems and engineering. New business activity and companies have been attracted to the area including EADS Astrium, BAE Systems, IBM and Lockheed Martin (Source: Invest in Portsmouth).

The strengths of Gosport's skills base, coupled with the advantages of easy access to deep water, make Gosport a great place to be if you want to expand or establish a marine, advanced manufacturing or specialist defence business (Source: Gosport Borough Council).

Chichester is well known as a cultural and artistic centre. The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2008 showed the average wage in the district was £26,732, below the West Sussex average of £29,393 and the South East average of £32,819.Tourism is a major draw for the area with scores flocking to the famous sands of the Witterings each summer.