Cambridge City Council

• University of Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin University.
• SmartLIFE Centre - aimed at delivering strategic solutions to sustainable growth by raising the skills level of the construction industry, through training and promotion of sustainable methods of construction.
• Internationally prominent hi-tech and biotech sector, supporting 33,600 jobs in Cambridge and surrounding area (2006).
• Addenbrookes Hospital – Medical centre of excellence for renal services, bone marrow transplantation, treatment of rare cancers, medical genetics, and paediatrics. A large teaching hospital, part of Cambridge bio-medical Campus.
• Marshall Aerospace – Large aircraft manufacturing company, covering all aspects of design, manufacture, maintenance, modification, conversion and logistic support of military, commercial and business aircraft.
• Over 93,000sqm of retail space in the historic core and over 54,000sqm of retail space located 5 minutes' walk from the centre, including a large Primark store and indoor shopping centre. Out of town outlets include the Beehive Centre and Cambridge Retail Park, with several major stand-alone stores culminating in a retail floorspace of 38,695 sqm. Cambridge was ranked 16th in CACI UK Retail Footprint.
• British Antarctic Survey - A component of the Natural Environment Research Council, and undertakes the majority of Britain's scientific research on Antarctica.
• Over 4 million visitors a year. The tourism industry is estimated to bring in £473 million pounds per annum. 12 museums and art galleries, including the Scott Polar Research Institute.
• 30 minutes' drive from Stansted Airport.
• Many Business Support networks, such as the Cambridge Network, St John's Innovation Centre and the soon to be completed Hauser Forum.

Assistance and Support For New Business Investors

• Cambridge City Council owns a number of light industrial, office suites, business centres and retail units available to rent.
• Business signposting for advice relating to environmental sustainability, data and research, training and education services, business events and funding.
• Licences.
• Planning services.
• Advice, inspections and signposting to training on Food safety, Health and Saftey and Pests.
• Considerate Contractor Scheme and awards.
• Information on new development/growth areas.
• Love Cambridge - trading name for the Cambridge City Centre Partnership, it brings together a wide range of interests, across both the public and private sectors, and encourages them to work together proactively on a range of projects to improve the city. www.love-cambridge.co.uk.

Other business assistance in the area includes:

• Established business support networks, such as Cambridge Network and St John's Innovation Centre, providing early stage knowledge-based companies with advice, strategic consultancy, introductions and flexible accommodation.
• The Hauser Forum - Due to open in early 2010: a mixed-use development at the University’s West Cambridge site. The Forum will be home to Cambridge Enterprise, the Ideas Space and Seminar Centre. The Ideas Space will serve as a space for innovators to come and exchange ideas, aiming to create a virtual community across the region.
• The East of England Development Agency (EEDA) provides a vast array of business support, advice and funding opportunities for new, existing and emerging businesses in the region.
• Support for Social Enterprises in the area are also available by contacting the Citylife Social Enterprise Centre in Cambridge.

Existing Business Base

• Main business sectors: Distribution, hotels and restaurants (estimated 15,600 employees); finance, legal, business activities (20,400); public administration, education and health (37,100), hi-tech/biotech industry (16,300).
• The hi-tech and biotech industry is estimated to employ over 16,300 people in Cambridge (Cambridgeshire County Council 2006).
• A new clean tech industry is emerging in the city, with the assistance of Cambridge University and its skilled graduates.
• Cambridge is establishing a strong position in the agricultural research sector. The National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB – based in Cambridge) and The Arable Group (TAG) have just secured a merger. It’s central headquarters will be based in Cambridge.
• 65% of the working age population is qualified to NVQ level 2 and above, and 29% to NVQ level 4 and above.
• VAT registered businesses in 2007 numbered 3,885.
• Cambridge ranks 12th in 2008 UK Competitiveness Index for gross value added (GVA) per capita, out of 408 local authorities in the UK, and the highest GVA in the Eastern Region.