Chichester economy

Chichester and the surrounding areas have a diverse economy; world leading manufacturing companies alongside entrepreneurial new businesses in technology and the creative sectors.  There is a long history of successful business start-ups, an impressive Horticulture sector as well as the world renowned brands of Rolls Royce Motor Cars and Goodwood. 

Together with our well-qualified resident population this underpins an enviable, high quality of life in a district that takes in the outstanding surroundings of the national park and coastline. The district’s economy is worth an estimated £3.1 billion and supports just over 74,000 jobs in over 7,600 businesses.

It has a horticulture sector of national significance. Many of these businesses are UK leaders in high-tech automation, robotics, green energy, digitalisation and artificial intelligence.

Tourism also plays an important role; figures show that tourism injects approximately £411.4 million pounds into the city and the wider district and sustains 14% of the total workforce.

The area is recognised as having a number of high value small businesses, it offers an outstanding quality of life and it has a well-respected arts and culture offer. It is also located on the fringes of south Hampshire, which has 1.5 million residents, two of the UK’s most significant ports; three universities with 57,000 students.

Over 90% of the businesses in the District are micro businesses, we have a thriving business community with many networking and training opportunities from partnership organisations, some of which can be found here

There are some really innovative co working spaces, from the Enterprise Centre to Surf and Work, there is something in the area to suit all types of business. For more information on the types of space here see the existing employment sites page