Nestled in the heart of Surrey, Guildford is a town that effortlessly combines its historic charm with a modern, business-friendly environment. Known for its beautiful countryside, excellent transport links, and a rich history dating back to the Norman era,Guildford has steadily evolved into one of the UK’s most desirable business locations.
Whether you’re in the technology sector, creative industries, or advanced manufacturing, Guildford offers a unique environment for growth—ideal for businesses that want to be close to London without the hustle and high costs.
Guildford’s history stretches back over 1,000years, and its medieval roots are still visible in the town's charming architecture. However, Guildford’s story is not just about its past—it’s about how the town has evolved into a vibrant modern hub that is attracting businesses across a wide range of sectors.
Its close proximity to London, combined with a beautiful rural setting, makes Guildford an ideal location for businesses seeking both affordable operations and easy access to the capital.
Guildford may be smaller than some of the UK’s larger cities, but it packs a punch when it comes to business potential. Here’s why:
Guildford’s location is one of its biggest advantages. Just 35 minutes by train to London Waterloo, the town offers a perfect blend of proximity to the capital and the charm of the countryside. Its excellent rail and road links make it incredibly easy to access key UK business centres.
For businesses, this translates into the ability to tap into London’s vast market and network without the costs of being located directly within the capital.
Guildford is becoming increasingly well-known for its technology sector, with a strong focus on software development, video game design, AI, and cyber security.The town is home to numerous tech startups and innovative companies, particularly in the gaming and digital media spaces.
Guildford is also the base for global brands like Electronic Arts (EA Games) and Sony Computer Entertainment, making it a hotbed for tech talent and collaboration. The University of Surrey is another key asset, providing a steady stream of skilled graduates in fields like engineering, IT, and robotics.
Beyond tech, Guildford also boasts a vibrant creative sector, including media, film production, and digital arts.The town is home to a thriving community of designers, animators, and creative agencies, making it a great place for businesses in the creative industries.
Guildford’s location in Surrey, a hub for the film and TV production industry, means that it’s well connected to the entertainment world. It’s also known for its high-quality lifestyle, attracting creative professionals who want to live and work in a town with a mix of culture, history, and modern amenities.
Guildford has an active and supportive business community. The Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership is focused on supporting businesses and entrepreneurs in the region, particularly in high-tech and creative sectors. The Guildford Business Forum also plays an essential role in connecting local companies with valuable networking opportunities and business support.
Additionally, Guildford Innovation Centre provides space and resources for businesses in the tech, media, and advanced manufacturing sectors, offering state-of-the-art facilities forR&D and collaboration.
One of Guildford’s greatest advantages is its high quality of life. The town boasts excellent schools, a bustling town centre, and beautiful parks and green spaces—making it a desirable place to live. This translates into a strong workforce, as employees are attracted toGuildford’s affordable housing, great schools, and the balance of work and life that the town offers.
Guildford also has a reputation for low staff turnover, thanks to its excellent quality of life, which is an added bonus for businesses looking to retain talent.
Guildford is already home to several industry leaders:
Alongside these major companies, there is a growing number of startups and small businesses in creative industries, tech, media, and professional services. Guildford’s business ecosystem is diverse, and it’s proving to be a welcoming home for businesses of all sizes.
Guildford offers the best of both worlds—proximity to London and a beautiful, affordable location. With a thriving tech and creative industry, strong support for innovation, and a highly skilled workforce, Guildford is a fantastic place to launch, grow, or expand a business.
Whether you’re in the technology, media, or professional services sectors, Guildford has the resources, connections, and quality of life that will help your business succeed.
Guildford’s mix of heritage, innovation, and exceptional connectivity makes it the perfect choice for companies looking to grow in one of the UK’s most sought-after locations.
