Spelthorne economic strategy

The Spelthorne Economic Strategy builds upon the 2017-2022 Economic Strategy and continues to focus on prioritising the key needs for business to settle, grow and thrive. Through the strategy the Borough aims to realise its ambitions and release its potential as a leading economy not just in Surrey but the wider sub region. The strategy has been produced at a time when the local, national and international economies are all taking stock and preparing for the future with regard to the impact of significant events and decisions such as Heathrow's potential third runway, climate change implications, southern rail access to Heathrow, adjusting to the impact of Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic which had a massive social and economic impact on the whole world and of course the highest levels of inflation seen in the UK for 40 years with inflation at 10.1%.

In November 2017 the government launched an Industrial Strategy designed to strengthen the five foundations of productivity: ideas, people, infrastructure, business environment and places. This strategy recognises those ambitions and are referenced within this refreshed strategy. The health of the Spelthorne economy has shown remarkable growth over a number of years, as evidenced by our position as 42nd out of 379 local authorities, putting the Borough in the top 11% of local authorities in the UK for competitiveness2 in 2021. Spelthorne possesses the foundations envied by other locations, particularly given its proximity to London and Heathrow, forming part of a powerfully functional economic area; the M3, M4 and M25 which help drive the prosperity of the southeast all run through or in close proximity to Spelthorne. The area also contains some beautiful attractions such as Staines Moor, 11 miles of the river Thames and much more. Members and Officers of the Council are united in working hard to ensure that economic growth and the associated benefits to our community continue to grow and Spelthorne can compete with the best.

We are already witnessing significant developments in the Borough over the last 5 years of the strategy, particularly in Staines-upon-Thames where over the course of this strategy we have already seen a new hotel, residential accommodation and additional retail space. The face of Ashford has also changed with the development of the old Brooklands College site into hundreds of new apartments. This will further add to the attraction of the Borough to those who wish to locate their business or indeed, live, work or shop in Spelthorne.

Below are the links to the Economic Strategy and the Local Economic Assessment which should be read alongside the Economic Strategy

• Local Economic Assessment (pdf, 2.96 MB)

• Spelthorne Economic Strategy 2023-2028 (pdf, 12.86 MB)

If you would like to discuss any aspect of the Strategy or have an enquiry about locating to the Borough then please contact the Economic Development Team at e.development@spelthorne.gov.uk