Enterprise hub

Oxfordshire consistently attracts large businesses, boasting a higher concentration of companies with 250+ employees than the rest of England.  

The county fosters a thriving business ecosystem, particularly in research, technology and manufacturing. Oxford Science Park, Harwell Campus and Begbroke Science Park provide state-of-the-art facilities for innovation.  

The region is packed with ambitious businesses that are leading the surge in pharma and life sciences innovation, advanced engineering, deep tech, and new technologies. 

Oxfordshire benefits from the strong links between businesses, universities and research centres. Start-ups and established firms alike benefit from the county’s unique blend of talent, funding and infrastructure, positioning it as one of the UK’s most dynamic enterprise hubs.  

With ongoing investment, Oxfordshire remains a leading destination for business growth.

Highly-skilled population

Oxfordshire boasts an exceptionally skilled workforce:  

• 53% of residents hold a degree or higher, compared to the UK average of 43%  
• 60.2% are qualified to NVQ Level 4 or above, compared to England’s 36%  

With top-tier universities in the region, and a dynamic business infrastructure that fosters innovation in a range of sectors, the region is an attractive place for those looking to build careers while establishing a good quality of life. 

The University of Oxford continues to generate more spin-outs than any other university in the UK and remains at the forefront of transformative global technologies.  

The county has a high concentration of employment in knowledge-intensive sectors, particularly research and development. Oxford Science Enterprises has played a pivotal role in fostering Oxford’s scientific start-up ecosystem, helping to launch over 250 companies since 2015. 

High economic activity rate

The city of Oxford is home to approximately 4,950 businesses, employing around 128,000 people, with Bicester positioned at the heart of the UK’s knowledge economy. In fact, Bicester has been named among the highest earning towns in Oxfordshire.  

While Oxford has a significant number of jobs in higher education and the public sector, it is also a growing hub for publishing, tourism, hospitality and an expanding hi-tech sector, fuelled by a highly-qualified workforce.  

• A large majority of working-age people in the county are either employed or actively seeking work  

• Cherwell District, which includes Bicester, leads the way in Oxfordshire with an economic activity rate of 82%

Net contributor to the UK exchequer

Generating £23.5 billion GVA annually, Oxfordshire is one of only four UK regions that contribute more to the Exchequer than they receive. The economy has grown 3.9% annually since 2006, driven by innovation and enterprise.  

Home to 678,000 people and 31,000 VAT-registered businesses, Oxfordshire leads in high-tech industries. The University of Oxford, the world’s top-ranked university and Oxford Brookes foster talent and research. 

Growing population

Bicester’s population is projected to reach 50,000 by 2031, driven by major infrastructure, housing and employment developments.  

The town’s strategic location offers excellent road and rail connections, linking it to London, Birmingham and the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor. More than 10,000 new homes are planned to support demand.  

Employment opportunities are increasing across diverse industries, from advanced manufacturing to retail and technology. Sustainable urban planning, including low-carbon travel solutions, further enhances Bicester’s appeal.  

With a fast-growing community and strong economic prospects, Bicester is emerging as a key growth hub, making it an attractive place to live, work and invest in. 

Significant foreign investment

Oxfordshire has secured over 340 foreign direct investments worth £3.1 billion in the past seven years, attracting global businesses from life sciences and space technology to advanced engineering.  

The region is home to a £6 billion motorsport cluster, including BMW Mini, which has produced over 2.5 million vehicles since 2001, and four Formula 1 teams. Oxfordshire also supports 4,000+ high-performance engineering firms.  

Many multi-national corporations have established headquarters here, drawn by Oxfordshire’s highly-skilled workforce, innovation hubs and world-class research institutions. With unparalleled growth opportunities, the region continues to power the future of business and technology.