Thames Freeport - Britain's Trading Future

[ 102 ] A S S O C I AT I O N O F S O U T H E S S E X L O C A L A U T H O R I T I E S South Essex is one of the most exciting economic growth areas in the country, with billions of pounds of investment set to take place in the coming years, hectares upon hectares of potential employment sites and excellent rail links to London and the wider Eastern region. There are more than 800,000 people currently living in South Essex, 485,000 of whom are of working age. The region has over 32,000 businesses operating in an economy worth in excess of £17 billion. There are over 20 million people living within one hour’s drive. Part of the Thames Estuary, South Essex is a gateway to the rest of the world and a national priority growth area with more than 70 miles of coastline and three major ports: DP World London Gateway, Tilbury (Freeport partners) and Purfleet — all of which have seen rapid growth in recent years — plus London Southend Airport which continues to increase its passenger footfall year on year. The ports and airport are a gateway to the UK and the world — a catalyst for increased business growth and skilled employment, offering South Essex a unique opportunity to trade with the rest of the world due to its excellent connectivity. Its strategic location comes with major economic infrastructure advantages combining ports, airport, roads, the river and is home to some of the UK’s largest and world-leading companies. A train journey through South Essex will take passengers from the city to the coast, from urban areas to idyllic countryside, from major retail and leisure destinations to artisan shops and quaint pubs and restaurants. Recognising the tremendous opportunities in the area, seven local authorities — Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point, Essex, Rochford, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock — have come together to form the Association of South Essex Local Authorities (ASELA). Anchors Aweigh: realising the economic potential for South Essex through Thames Freeport Southend-on-Sea pier and Adventure Island