Business and Investment
With an unprecedented £3billion investment - from the city centre to the coastline - and a rapidly transforming skyline, Sunderland is emerging as a prime destination for business investment.
Why Sunderland?
Sunderland is transforming through major investment, creating a thriving environment for business.
Located on the North East coast, the city offers excellent connections by air, sea, road and rail, alongside strong digital infrastructure—making it a prime location for national and global trade.
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Business Sites & Opportunities
Lights, camera, Sunderland
Plans for the £450m Crown Works Studios will position Sunderland as a major force in the UK's creative industries.
This state-of-the-art film and television production complex is expected to create up to 8,000 jobs across the region, attracting global productions and talent.
As a new hub for world-class content creation, Crown Works Studios will drive economic growth while putting Sunderland firmly on the map as a production powerhouse.
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It's so up and coming around there. It's a phenomenal place to be. Sunderland is culturally at the heart of what's going on. Culture House, the Fire Station, the Empire Theatre, there's so much talent in this area and we want to be a part of it.
Gayle Woodruffe, Operations Director, North East Screen
Sunderland is already renowned as the UK headquarters of car building powerhouse, Nissan.
A £1 billion investment in a new electric vehicle battery gigafactory will strengthen Sunderland's position in the global automotive and green energy sectors and align with the UK's net-zero ambitions.
And the city is home to a dynamic manufacturing community, powered by the region's loyal, hardworking workforce.
Sunderland economic data
1.2m workforce in region
5,970 businesses in Sunderland
£6.5bn GVA (2022 figure for goods and services)
71,265 students across 4 universities
No 1 city for air quality
4 universities within 30 minutes of the city centre
5G city-wide connectivity
80+ destinations connected from Newcastle Airport (a short 30-min drive from Sunderland).
3rd lowest average house price in a UK city
Global investment, real momentum
Global investors including Legal & General and Canada Life recognise Sunderland's unique potential, committing hundreds of millions of pounds to its regeneration.
Their investment is helping to transform the city at pace - delivering new homes, high-quality workplaces and vibrant public spaces, while strengthening Sunderland's position as a destination for business, talent and long-term growth.
Latest business news and events
Latest business news and events list
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Mayor announces £208m transport investment
11 March, 2025
See more (Go to Mayor announces £208m transport investment) -
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Final plank placed in new bridge milestone
06 March, 2025
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Pop up sauna business launches in Sunderland
26 February, 2025
See more (Go to Pop up sauna business launches in Sunderland) -
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North East England returns to major UK real estate conference
23 March, 2025
See more (Go to North East England returns to major UK real estate conference ) -
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Advertising specialists invest in new Sunderland office
19 March, 2026
See more (Go to Advertising specialists invest in new Sunderland office) -
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Plexus Innovation relocates to Sunderland
4 March, 2026
See more (Go to Plexus Innovation relocates to Sunderland)
Riverside Sunderland
One of the UK's most ambitious regeneration projects, Riverside Sunderland has over £500m of development underway.
It will double the city centre population and create workspace for up to 10,000 jobs.
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