Plymouth’s Economy and Key Industries

A Growing Business Destination for Conferences and Events

Plymouth is a city with ambition. As Britain’s Ocean City, it combines a growing economy, nationally significant industries, world-class research and innovation with an exceptional waterfront location – creating an exciting environment for conferences, meetings, exhibitions and business events.

The city has a diverse economy with particular strengths in marine and maritime, advanced manufacturing and engineering, defence, health and life sciences, digital and creative industries, clean energy, tourism and hospitality.

For conference organisers, this means Plymouth isn't simply a great place to meet – it is a destination where businesses, academics, researchers and industry leaders are actively developing new ideas, technologies and opportunities.

A City of Innovation and Growth

Plymouth has a strong and diverse business community, supported by its universities, research organisations, specialist businesses and innovation networks.

The city's economy is worth billions to the regional economy, while its growing business and innovation sectors are helping to establish Plymouth as an increasingly important centre for research, technology, engineering and entrepreneurship in the South West.

This makes Plymouth an attractive destination for organisations looking to bring together professionals, researchers and industry experts for sector-specific conferences, knowledge-sharing events and business meetings.

Manufacturing and Advanced Engineering

Manufacturing and engineering are long-established strengths of Plymouth's economy, with expertise across advanced manufacturing, marine engineering, defence, aerospace, medical technology and specialist engineering.

The city has one of the strongest concentrations of manufacturing and engineering employment in the South West, supported by an established supply chain and close links between industry, education and research.

For organisers, this creates opportunities for engineering conferences, manufacturing events, technical meetings, exhibitions and industry networking.

Marine and Maritime

Plymouth's relationship with the ocean is central to its identity – and its economy.

The city is home to a significant concentration of marine science, marine technology, maritime engineering and marine autonomy expertise, alongside a long-established naval and maritime industry.

Major developments such as Oceansgate are helping to strengthen Plymouth's position as a centre for marine enterprise and innovation, while its world-leading research capabilities create an ideal environment for marine and ocean-focused conferences.

For organisations working in the blue economy, marine autonomy, ocean science, maritime technology and marine renewable energy, Plymouth offers a destination where delegates can experience the industry first-hand.

Defence and Security

Plymouth has a long association with the UK's defence sector and remains an important centre for defence, naval engineering, security and specialist manufacturing.

The presence of HMNB Devonport and the city's wider defence supply chain creates a significant ecosystem of businesses, engineers, researchers and organisations working across the sector.

This makes Plymouth an excellent destination for defence conferences, military events, engineering meetings, security conferences and supply-chain events.

Health, Life Sciences and Technology

Plymouth is also developing significant expertise in health, medical technology and life sciences, supported by collaboration between universities, healthcare organisations, research institutions and businesses.

Alongside this, the city's digital and technology sector is creating new opportunities in areas including software, immersive technology, digital media and creative technology.

These growing sectors make Plymouth an increasingly attractive location for healthcare conferences, life sciences events, technology conferences and innovation-led meetings.

Tourism and Hospitality

Plymouth's economy is also supported by a thriving tourism and hospitality sector.

As a vibrant waterfront city, Plymouth offers visitors an outstanding choice of attractions, cultural experiences, restaurants, bars, shopping and sightseeing. Plymouth Sound, the historic Barbican and the city's maritime heritage provide a distinctive backdrop for delegates outside the conference room.

For conference organisers, the city's visitor economy also means access to an established network of hotels, restaurants, event venues, attractions and experience providers.

Delegates can combine a productive conference with waterfront dining, cultural experiences, team-building activities and exploration of the wider South West.

Why Plymouth is an Inspiring Conference Destination

Plymouth's diverse economy provides an important advantage for conference and business event organisers.

The city offers the opportunity to bring people together in a destination where industry, research, innovation and business are already working together.

Whether you're organising a marine conference, engineering event, defence meeting, healthcare symposium, technology conference, sustainability event or corporate gathering, Plymouth provides the venues, accommodation, expertise and delegate experiences to make your event successful.

And when the working day is over, delegates can enjoy everything that makes Plymouth special – from the waterfront and Plymouth Sound to its restaurants, attractions and cultural venues, with Dartmoor, South Devon and Cornwall all within easy reach.

Discover Plymouth's Business Community

Want to find out more about Plymouth's economy, investment opportunities and key industry sectors?

Invest Plymouth provides the latest information about the city's business community, investment opportunities, developments and economic growth.

For conference organisers, Meet Plymouth can help you find the right venue, accommodation, suppliers and delegate experiences to create a successful business event in Britain’s Ocean City.

Bring your conference to Plymouth and put your delegates at the heart of one of the South West's most exciting business destinations.

To keep up to date on all the great developments in Plymouth please follow @InvestPlymouth on twitter or sign up here to their newsletters.

https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/invest