Why Sunderland?
Sunderland is transforming, with ongoing investment creating a dynamic environment where businesses can thrive.
Located on the North East coast, the city benefits from excellent connectivity by air, sea, road and rail, alongside strong digital infrastructure -making it open for business on a national and global stage.
Grade A commercial space is available now, with shovel-ready sites supported by a proactive local authority.
Major employers including Nissan, Just Eat, Ocado, EDF Energy and Hays Travel have already chosen Sunderland.
Lower costs, a skilled workforce and a strong quality of life make it an attractive place to invest, while its coastline and cultural offer help attract and retain talent - a city of real opportunity for business and people.
A Great Workforce
288,606 city residents with 173,600 of working age
63% of Sunderland's workforce is employed in skilled and professional roles
2.67 million people within 60 minute commute
£29,000 median pay for all employee jobs in Sunderland
20,000 students at the lifechanging University of Sunderland
125,000 students attend the region's five universities, two of which are Russell Group
133,000 people employed in the business services sector across Sunderland
A Great Place to Invest
Sunderland offers exceptional value for money for businesses looking to locate, grow or invest in the city. With competitive commercial property costs and best-in-class support from the council's proactive business investment team, Sunderland provides a cost-effective environment and exceptional quality.
High-quality commercial property
Sunderland offers a strong commercial property portfolio, with ready-to-occupy developments designed for businesses of all sizes. With costs significantly lower than many UK cities, it's an attractive choice for companies relocating or expanding into the North East. From city centre offices to industrial space and development land, Sunderland combines value with flexibility.
See more (Go to High-quality commercial property)Real wage value
The city's real wage value is one of the most competitive in the UK. Businesses benefit from a skilled workforce, while employees enjoy a lower cost of living, helping you to attract and retain talent.
See more (Go to Real wage value)Enterprise zones and incentives
Sunderland's enterprise zones, including the International Advanced Manufacturing Strategic Site (IAMSS) and the Port of Sunderland, offer real advantages for investors. From business rate relief to tailored funding and support, alongside help with recruitment, training and relocation, businesses are backed to grow from day one.
See more (Go to Enterprise zones and incentives)High-quality commercial property
Sunderland offers a strong commercial property portfolio, with ready-to-occupy developments designed for businesses of all sizes. With costs significantly lower than many UK cities, it's an attractive choice for companies relocating or expanding into the North East. From city centre offices to industrial space and development land, Sunderland combines value with flexibility.
See more (Go to High-quality commercial property)Real wage value
The city's real wage value is one of the most competitive in the UK. Businesses benefit from a skilled workforce, while employees enjoy a lower cost of living, helping you to attract and retain talent.
See more (Go to Real wage value)Enterprise zones and incentives
Sunderland's enterprise zones, including the International Advanced Manufacturing Strategic Site (IAMSS) and the Port of Sunderland, offer real advantages for investors. From business rate relief to tailored funding and support, alongside help with recruitment, training and relocation, businesses are backed to grow from day one.
See more (Go to Enterprise zones and incentives)
A Great Place to Live
Sunderland is more than a great place to do business, it is a great place to live too.
Sunderland offers more than business potential, it offers an excellent quality of life. With attractive homes, good schools, strong communities and one of the UK's most competitive real wage values, it is a place where people can live well.
From award-winning beaches at Roker and Seaburn to a vibrant mix of food, drink, culture and sport including matchdays at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland combines coastal living with city energy. Green spaces, riverside walks and a lively leisure scene make it easy to enjoy a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
A Great Place to Network
Networking in Sunderland is easy thanks to the support organisations that connect and nurture enterprise.
There is a collaborative culture, with a strong and joined-up business community working together to champion and support each other.
Case Studies
13 Sunderland creatives you might not know about
TeenyWeeny VR
Asset55
A Great Connected City
Connected by Road
Sunderland is well-connected by road, with easy access to the A19 and A1(M), putting major UK cities within easy reach.
Connected by Rail
Regional rail services provide quick connections to Newcastle, Durham and Teesside. A direct connection to London, via Grand Central rail services, offers a comfortable and convenient route to the capital in under four hours.
Connected by Air
Newcastle International Airport is just a 40-minute drive away, offering direct flights to over 80 destinations. Durham Tees Valley Airport is also within easy reach, offering additional regional and international connections.
Connected by Metro
Sunderland is directly served by the Tyne and Wear Metro, connecting the city to key destinations and attractions across the North East. For businesses, Metro provides a major advantage, making it easy for employees to commute in a cost-effective, sustainable way.
A brand-new Metro line will connect Washington with a direct link to Sunderland city centre. Representing a £900m investment this landmark project will transform public transport, serving tens of thousands of homes and connecting people across the city to the jobs that are being created around Nissan and the neighbouring International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP).
Connected by Bike
Add Something about national cycle network connecting to employment sites.
A Great Sustainable City
Sunderland is building a greener future, with an ambitious target to become carbon neutral by 2040. The city's long-term approach is focused on cutting emissions, improving air quality and creating a healthier, more resilient place to live and work.
Sustainability is also being used to drive growth. Businesses of all sizes can access support to reduce energy costs and lower carbon emissions, while investment in smart technology is helping shape a cleaner, more efficient economy.
From low-carbon innovation to pioneering projects such as 5G Connected and Automated Logistics, Sunderland is creating an environment where sustainable business can thrive.
