Powering Slough’s progress by driving SME growth.

The investment in Slough over the last few years has created a huge amount of potential, opening it up as a gateway to global opportunity. Today, it is home to innovation, connectivity, and a thriving business ecosystem, creating a dynamic environment that supports SME growth and champions supply chain resilience, unlocking opportunities for investment and scalable innovation.

Located just 20 minutes from central London and on the doorstep of Heathrow, Slough offers excellent access to national and international markets. This geographic advantage is matched by a robust infrastructure and digital connectivity, making it an ideal launchpad for high-growth SMEs looking to scale quickly and sustainably. This includes a concentrated base of entrepreneurial talent, competitive operating costs, and a local authority committed to building business-friendly policies.

New businesses on the rise

According to figures from the Office for National Statistics, around 995 new businesses opened in Slough in 2023, up 5 per cent on the previous year. Although inevitably businesses have also closed, when looking at the statistics, the total number of businesses in Slough has increased overall. Furthermore, the figures show an increase in the number of 'high-growth' businesses, those which saw their workforce swell by more than 20 per cent for three years in a row. This is good news because it will lead to more jobs in dynamic and growing companies and a stronger economy overall.

Pat Hayes, Executive Director of Housing, Property, and Regeneration at Slough Borough Council says: “Slough has developed a reputation for attracting global business – not least at Slough Trading Estate – but we’re equally focused on empowering our small and medium-sized enterprises. By giving SMEs access to the tools, support, and infrastructure they require, from cost-saving initiatives to collaborative workspaces, and access to a youthful, dynamic and diverse workforce, we’re building a resilient local economy and supply chain that serves the borough and beyond.”

Support for SME growth

Slough is investing in the success of smaller and medium enterprises with co-working spaces, and business incubators. Situated on the ground and first floors at The Future Works, Central Working gives entrepreneurs a place from which to scale their business and develop valuable new connections. With 330 desks available in exceptionally designed flexible work-space, members can find a home for their business and welcome guests in the social space, on the roof terrace or meeting rooms.

As well as being a place to work, these hubs connect Slough’s growing businesses with more established companies, providing the town with new links to the UK’s enterprise and tech community. But it’s not just all about work, The Future Works is redefining what it means to work and live in a modern setting. With electric car charging spaces, extensive facilities for cyclists and runners, including secure bicycle parking, luxurious changing rooms with a towel service, and a dedicated drying room, it supports the lifestyle that today’s entrepreneurs demand.

Practical help is also vital to catalyse growth. Last year, Slough Borough Council piloted a business savings and support service, delivered by experts Place Support Partnership (PSP) to deliver a Business Cost Reduction Project to micro and SME businesses across the borough. The service included free advice and training on how to achieve the best value for money on essential services like electricity, gas, telecoms, merchant fees, insurance and water.

Although the specific pilot cost reduction programme has not been continued, local businesses can still access a variety of ongoing support initiatives:

• Berkshire Growth Hub offers free programmes such as the Start-Up Programme and High Growth Programme, funded via UKSPF and running through 2025. These provide workshops and 1‑to‑1 support for early-stage and scaling businesses.

• Slough BID (Business Improvement District) is working on broader support programmes for town centre businesses, including trials of a joint utilities procurement scheme aimed at cutting operating costs, training events, and business networking opportunities.

• Place Support Partnership continues to support businesses through its local relationship with Slough BID, offering cost-reduction audits across utilities and services, but not the same scheme funded by UKSPF.