Set Up In Sandwell
Sandwell is a local authority in the north-west of the West Midlands that’s both cost-competitive and well connected. Home to 353,860 people and 11,495 active businesses, Sandwell has been the location of choice for businesses in sectors ranging from manufacturing companies drawn to Sandwell’s heritage to HealthTech, whilst also providing access across the West Midlands Combined Authority with robust connectivity infrastructure.
£30 million has already been invested to boost Sandwell’s connectivity even further, allowing for businesses setting up in the region to access gigabit capable broadband, alongside 82.9% of the UK population within a four hour drive. Combined with the area’s strong small business scene, it’s no surprise Sandwell earned the moniker “the supply chain capital of the UK” in 2021.
Key Sector Strengths
Sandwell is the third-largest borough in the West Midlands, and supports a £6.5 billion diverse economy. The Local Authority possesses unique sector strengths that have proven records of success both historically in manufacturing and in the development of visionary, innovative technologies, driving interest from a diverse talent pool.
Sandwell is home to over 140,000 jobs, with advanced manufacturing accounting for the most jobs of any sector in the area at 21,000. 1,033 of the Black Country’s strategic companies have built their base of operations in the borough, alongside successful start-ups including the HealthTech firm Rem3dy Health.
In accordance with Sandwell’s regeneration scheme, the pro-business council is planning to transform the area with help from £3 billion total investment from public and private sectors. The area has already seen 26 schemes completed, and 61 live projects are underway right here in Sandwell.
Connectivity
Sandwell’s key location in the heart of the West Midlands, and hence the country, is a major advantage for businesses in the region. It’s not only that 82.9% of the UK is within a 4 hour drive from Sandwell, or that it’s only a 30 minute drive to Birmingham Airport, unlocking 155 global destinations from the region, but that Sandwell residents themselves are also well connected.
Sandwell residents are, on average, 7.5 minutes away from key employment centres, and 84% of Sandwell residents are within walking distance from their local train station. Combined with one of the higher daily vehicle flows of the UK, businesses setting up in Sandwell have the opportunity to scale up and reach a national audience fast.
Quality of Life
Setting up and living in Sandwell offers a wealth of local and regional benefits. 96% of Sandwell’s diverse, young population are within walking distance to their local library, and 85% of all residents are engaged with the arts. The area also boasts a 6.6 home affordability ratio, lower than the national average of 8.0
Relocating to Sandwell gives people the opportunity to explore the entirety of the West Midlands with ease. Be it visiting hubs outside of the Local Authority, including Birmingham city centre by train, or tourist attractions including the Black Country Living Museum by car, Sandwell’s rich connectivity opens up a world of possibilities for residents’ lifestyles.
