East Devon

Choose East Devon for exceptional business opportunities in and around our outstanding coastline and countryside. We are driving change and prosperity through clean growth, transitioning to a low carbon economy, and delivery of key projects in the Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone. Our outstanding natural environment offers an exceptional quality of life for our communities and supports a diverse and sustainable economy. Our proximity to Devon’s capital offers opportunities for vibrant culture, entertainment and sports.

Local Priorities

  • Clean growth
  • STEMM cluster
  • Sustainable tourism

Key sectors

  • STEMM
  • Civil engineering
  • Food & drink
  • Hospitality & tourism
  • Tech/digital
  • Logistics

With significant investment in ultrafast broadband, digital infrastructure and the development of small business space, East Devon is at the forefront for flexible, new ways of working.

Business Types

  • From small family run, heritage businesses to thriving SMEs and large multinationals like Amazon and Lidl

Centres of excellence

  • The Environmental Futures & Big Data Impact Lab: featuring the Met Office state-of-the-art supercomputer and offering collaborative support from world-class scientist and technologists to develop your new product, service or process – The Environmental Futures & Impact Lab
  • Future Skills Centre: high-tech educational facility for future-facing jobs in engineering, digital, construction and clean growth giving access to top talent – Exeter College – Future Skills Centre

Infra-structure / Connections

  • Multi-million investment in ultrafast fibre broadband network of gigabit speeds for businesses and residents
  • Exeter Airport: regional transport hub providing international and domestic connectivity – Exeter Airport
  • Excellent road and rail connectivity: M5 junction, A30 and 2-hour train links to London
  • Expanding network of spectacular cycling trails and cycling routes to key transport infrastructure

Our Natural Capital

  • With two-thirds of its territory located in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a coastline featuring the first natural World Heritage Site in England, East Devon’s natural capital is one of its most treasured assets.
  • Our outstanding natural environment is a key strength that underpins the quality of life, health and wellbeing of our communities. It attracts several biodiversity projects and enhanced conservation activity.
  • See our website for more information on our key natural assets: Countryside – East Devon.

Opportunities

  • Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone: delivering clean growth and green life and offering business rate relief – www.exeterandeastdevon.com
  • Potential to develop a sustainable/smart aviation cluster
  • Opportunities for knowledge transfer partnerships and access to world-leading R&D expertise at University of Exeter (Top 15 UK University and Top 150 worldwide)

Available premises 

Key Contacts:

Website: www.eastdevon.gov.uk/business-and-investment
Email: GPanteva@eastdevon.gov.uk

Some of our outstanding businesses

Jurassic Fibre

Delivering ultrafast fibre broadband network of gigabit speeds in the South West

Axminster Tools

One of UK’s leading suppliers and manufacturers of tools, machinery & consumables
SC Group

Global, innovative engineering and design solutions – consistently delivery excellence
Lympstone Manor

Luxury five star country house accommodation and Michelin star fine dining experience
Darts Farm Logo

Multi award-winning farm shop championing local produce and offering the best of Devon’s and South West food & drink

Two Drifters


Two Drifters Distillery: world’s first rum distillery with carbon negative footprint
Supported by Devon County Council