• Tue. Sep 2nd, 2025

5 reasons why London and the South East are the most popular places to start a business in 2022

ByDave Stopher

Feb 17, 2022

When you open a business, it’s important to think about the type of customers you want to attract. There are many different types of businesses, some are small whilst others aim to be larger. No matter what type of product you create or company you run, it’s important that you choose a city as a base that suits your work dynamic. If you want to operate in a large area, the best places to settle are London and the South East of the UK. Here are 5 reasons why.

1. UK Governmental Assistance

Whether you decide to start your business from a range of serviced offices or from a small shop on the high street, the UK government will be there to help you get started in London and the South East. It’s understandable you may feel daunted by the prospect of opening up a business due to the price of business space in London and the South East, however it is quite easy to ask for financial assistance. For instance, there are a wide variety of schemes that are designed to reduce tax for businesses. You can also take a look at start-up loans that are backed up by the UK government and local enterprise centres.

2. Large Customer Bases

London and cities in the South East have very large populations. However, they also have a wide array of connections to other areas of the world as well. This includes access to airports, motorways and railways. Therefore, if you want to expand your business beyond a large city, you will always have access to transport. Also consider, a lot of people tend to end up in London because it is the capital of the UK, including tourists. You will always have access to a large customer base.

3. Diverse Workforce

Nowadays, setting up a business is all about providing opportunities to people from all walks of life. London is a city of 8.1 million people. This number only grows larger if you include the amount of people looking for work in the South East. These areas are incredibly diverse, with a wide array of people from different cultures and backgrounds. A diverse workforce will help you understand your customers better.

4. Exciting Entertainment

It’s important to make connections when you open a business. This can include collaborating with other brands or impressing potential investors. By living in London or the South East, in areas like Surrey or Buckinghamshire, you will be investing in a beautiful area that is bound to impress your clients. There are a lot of restaurants and entertainment venues that you can take your clients out to, to impress them as you are discussing business. 

5. Organised Meetings & Investment Opportunities 

Don’t forget that you are basically in the ultimate business hub of the UK and beyond! London always has a wide variety of investment opportunities and networking meetings to attend. These tend to happen on a weekly basis. Therefore, you will always have the chance to meet new people and investors. 

So, there you have it! With these 5 reasons, it is clear to see why London and the South East are the most popular places to start a business in 2022.