Plymouth's unique location, low workspace costs and attractive relocation package has allowed a variety of sectors to flourish. From the international marine businesses to the innovative medical professionals, Plymouth has become a backdrop of success. 

Advanced Manufacturing

Plymouth has the highest concentration of manufacturing employment on the south coast of Britain, providing opportunities in management, process engineering and advanced manufacturing. 12% of Plymouth’s jobs are in the manufacturing industry, far exceeding the 8.3% national average.

View the Advanced Manufacturing factsheet.

Business Services

Plymouth benefits from a vibrant mix of innovative, globally leading businesses across a multitude of sectors. The service sector within the city is thriving and offers a wealth of opportunities to work with businesses that provide services to local companies with national and international reputations.

View the Business Services factsheet.

Co-Operatives

A key pledge by Plymouth City Council's administration is so increase the number of businesses in the city that are owned and run co-operatively. Co-operatives are businesses owned and run by people us - customers, employees, suppliers, residents, farmers, graphic designers, taxi drivers. These people, the members, decide together how the business operates and how its profits are used.

View the Co-operatives action plan.

Creative Industries

Plymouth is home to an eclectic, diverse, cultural and creative industries sector, which includes creative and digital media, audio-visual, design TV and film production, visual arts, music technology and games development.

View the Creative Industries factsheet.

Defence

Plymouth has been a centre for defence for centuries. Despite the many challenges posed, the city’s defence sector has excelled. Home to the largest naval base in Western Europe, the city is due to welcome one of the most expensive items on the UK balance sheet – Dreadnought. In preparation, investments of over £1 billion will secure submarine and nuclear work for the next 70 years. 

View the Defence factsheet.

Digital

The Digital Economy in Plymouth is recognised a key strength and forms one of the five key pillars within the Local Economic Strategy. Plymouth has clear competitive advantages in digital connectivity and is comfortably above the UK average for superfast broadband speeds and coverage.

View the Digital Economy factsheet.

Marine and Renewables

With a strong industry base and research facilities and a broad range of capabilities and infrastructure covering marine operations and engineering, marine and environmental sciences, advanced manufacturing, composites, aerospace and defence, Plymouth provides the ideal location and supply chain opportunities for growth in this sector.

View the Marine and Renewables factsheet.

Medical, Health and Life Sciences

The city is a global centre of excellence for marine science and technology with one of the largest clusters of expertise in Europe.  The building of ships and floating structures and the building of pleasure and sporting boats in Plymouth boast location.

View the Medical, Health and Life Sciences factsheet.

Social Enterprise

Plymouth is an ambitious city with huge growth potential and exciting major changes ahead. The University of Plymouth become the first Social Enterprise University in the world. Social Enterprises make an incredible contribution to the economy with over 150 social enterprises located in the city, employing over 7,000 people.

Tourism and Leisure

Plymouth is a vibrant waterfront city packed full of attractions, activities, shopping, entertainment and sightseeing opportunities. The city hosts just under five million visitors annually, generating £316million spend, and supporting 7,500 jobs.

View the Tourism and Leisure factsheet.