Key Competitive Attractions
Industry:
- Niort is the fourth ranking financial centre in France behind Paris, Lyon and Lille.
- National headquarters of some of France's major insurance companies are located here: MAAF, MACIF, MAIF.
- Regional headquarters of insurance companies and national banks include Groupama, Banque Populaire and Credit Agricole.
- Low unemployment rate (less than 5%) - many SMEs are developing rapidly.
Infrastructure:
- Excellent connections to Europe from North and South via the motorways A10 and A83
- TGV Atlantique Niort links Paris and Lille within a few hours
- Close proximity to the international airports of Nantes and Bordeaux, and the port of La Rochelle
Key sectors:
- Chemistry (Rhodia in Melle)
- Pharmacy (Boiron)
- Aerospace (Zodiac Group, Leach International)
- Textiles and shoe making
- Automotive (Heuliez and Irisbus)
- Agriculture
- Food and Drink production
