The Basildon Economy

Basildon borough is an ideal place to base your business.

We are growing fast and have the perfect conditions to make your business a success - but don't take our word for it.

• Basildon is the largest economy in Essex. From 2015 to 2023 the gross value added (GVA) grew consistently to an estimated output of £7.19 billion.
• Basildon is ranked 6th of UK largest urban conurbations with highest number of business stock per 10,000 population.
• Basildon is ranked 7th of UK major cities and towns with the highest 10-year job growth rate.
• Basildon is ranked 8th of UK major cities and towns with highest Gross Disposable Household Income (GDHI) per capita.
• Basildon has the 10th highest employment rate of all major urban conurbations in the country.
• Basildon is ranked the 12th largest urban conurbation in the country for the proportion of private sector jobs, is the key employment hub in Essex and the centre of economic activity in South Essex.
• 49.3% of people in Basildon are employed in managerial, professional or associate professional, technical and managerial jobs.
• Basildon is ranked 18th in the country for urban conurbations with ‘new economy firms’ per 10,000 working age population. Basildon has a larger concentration of ICT jobs than anywhere else in Essex. According to the Tech Nation, Basildon was a top 5 e-commerce investment location in 2019.
• More businesses start up in Basildon than anywhere else in Essex. Basildon is ranked 9th best urban conurbation in the country in terms of the number of business start-ups per 10,000 population. Between 2014 and 2018, the number of active enterprises within the borough rose by 19%, reaching an estimated figure of 8,635. The growth rate was above the England rate (15%) and that for Essex (12%).
• As far as growing sectors are concerned, between 2017 and 2020, the Construction sector grew by 230 firms (+13%), the Transport & Storage sector grew by 150 firms (+27%) and Business administration & support services by 80 firms (11%).
• One quarter of creative jobs in Essex are in Basildon, with nearly 50% more jobs in this industry than our nearest comparator.

Sources: Nomis 2025, Centre for Cities report 2026, UK Business Counts, ONS 2025, BRES 2021, Creative Radar, 2020