Highly regarded for its famous hub of designer fashion outlets, Bicester in Oxfordshire is a must-visit destination for shoppers from around the world.
More than seven million visitors descend on the area every year to snap up savings at Bicester Village, home to more than 160 luxury fashion, lifestyle and beauty outlet boutiques featuring such names as Mulberry, Gucci and Burberry.
With its proximity to the major tourism draw that is Oxford – and with strong transport connections to London – there’s no doubt that Bicester is firmly on the map for visitors.
But it’s not just about the shopping. Bicester is part of a region that has been nurturing a thriving ecosystem of developing businesses across a range of sectors, including high tech, advanced engineering, health tech, automotive and life sciences.
The region is seen as a sure-fire investment opportunity – with premium sites such as the 48-acre Bicester Arc in pole position to offer much-needed space for start-ups and companies looking to expand. All these features combine to make Oxfordshire and Bicester an increasingly strategic location choice.
It’s an exciting time for Bicester, as the town embraces the strong growth potential that investment opportunities in the wider region are bringing.
With a mix of excellent connectivity, access to an educated workforce – thanks to its proximity to the University of Oxford and its spin-out business innovations – and an increasing housing stock, the town is perfectly positioned to reap the rewards.
The government has highlighted the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor as a dynamic and exciting place to invest – adding to its appeal for long-term business and infrastructure growth.
Described as a vibrant and innovative hub for globally renowned science and technology firms and internationally successful start-ups, the government said it was committed to unlocking the opportunities it presents.
With the city of Oxford home to approximately 4,950 businesses, employing around 128,000 people, Bicester is positioned at the heart of the UK’s thriving knowledge economy – and has been named among the highest earning towns in Oxfordshire.
The impressive 48-acre Bicester Arc site – a stone’s throw from the bustling Bicester Village shopping destination – has great potential for business owners and investors to create their own bespoke headquarters or campus. Three main drivers make it ripe for commercial investment:
With exceptional connectivity, close proximity to world-leading universities and research facilities and ready access to a talented workforce, there’s no wonder Bicester Arc has been described as a ‘jewel in the crown’ of north Oxfordshire.
The area has excellent transport links and infrastructure providing unrivalled access by road, rail and air:
Oxfordshire is a powerhouse of pioneering work in the sectors vital for the world’s future health and sustainability. Its innovation encompasses the study and application of life-changing technology in health, green energy, space, future mobility, robotics and quantum computing, to name just a few.
According to invest in Oxfordshire, the county has one of the strongest economies in the UK, generating £23.5 billion GVA annually and providing 430,000 jobs. In addition:
It is home to 2,950 high-tech companies, including several ‘unicorn’ businesses valued at more than $1 billion
It has western Europe’s highest concentration of science research facilities
A hotbed for international investment, Oxfordshire has secured more than 390 foreign direct investments, valued at over £3.5 billion, in the last eight years
Up to 1.9 million sq ft of new office and laboratory space has been delivered between 2023 and 2025
The county’s growing specialist business sectors include the £6 billion motorsport cluster which has produced over 2.5 million vehicles since 2001 – and four Formula 1 teams. Other sectors winning investment include deep tech, health tech, defence and life sciences.
With Oxfordshire benefitting from the strong links between its businesses, universities and research centres, coupled with its unique blend of talent, funding and infrastructure, it’s one of the country’s leading destinations for business growth.
Standing out in a region clearly bursting with ambitious organisations and companies is a tricky one – but the Bicester Arc site has a significant feather in its cap in the form of its own on-site power supply.
The dedicated 13.7 MVA primary substation offers reliable, scalable power that is available solely for the use of occupants with even the most demanding energy requirements.
Meanwhile, a talented workforce is right on the doorstep, with more than 12,000 people in Oxfordshire employed in scientific research and development alone. Around 60% of the county’s working age population is qualified to degree level or above, compared to the UK average of 47%.
Bicester is in an area of rapid housing growth, with an ambition to double its population to 50,000 by 2031 – and an additional 5,000 homes planned beyond 2031.
With its growing appeal as a place to live and work, thousands of people are choosing the area, reinforcing its status as a key growth hub and an attractive place to live, work and invest in.
Bicester Arc’s unbeatable location has endless potential for development and benefits from three different planning permissions that include:
With such impressive growth and incredible opportunities in the region, there has never been a better time to invest in Oxfordshire. Thanks to its location, connectivity and sustainable credentials, 48-acre Bicester Arc is one of the most exciting sites available in the UK today.
Contact us today to discover how your business can thrive in this flourishing innovation and business ecosystem – we’d love to hear from you.
