Key Industry Clusters and Capabilities

This is the area where clever ideas and new technologies coalesce into smart business solutions.

Businesses in the South East Midlands are at the cutting-edge of new technology, driving research and furthering expertise in nationally important growth sectors. We have one of the strongest levels of university-business collaboration in the country, and businesses here are consistently top in terms of product and service innovation.

This area competes globally with sector capabilities across aerospace, automotive testing, advanced manufacturing, engineering and design, robotics and software development and electronics. It is home to clusters of business and expertise in high-performance technology and precision engineering, digital and creative, agri-tech and the food and drink sector and logistics.

SEMLEP works in partnership with local authorities, developers and commercial agents and with the Department for International Trade to match prospective businesses with support, funding and appropriate employment land.

Showcase sectors

This area competes globally with high innovation capabilities in aerospace and future mobility including technical testing, precision engineering and robotics. It is home to clusters of businesses and expertise in logistics and supply chain, digital, creative and cultural industries.

Food and Drink Ecosystem

This area is highly specialised in food manufacturing and has significant growth potential in agri-tech. Take a look at the food and drink innovation ecosystem.

Rural Businesses

A quarter of residents and a third of businesses are based South East Midlands’ rural areas. Take a look at funding and support available for rural based businesses.

Enterprise Zones

EZs offer a number of incentives to businesses that locate onto a Zone including business rate relief or enhanced capital allowances. We have two EZs in the SEMLEP area.