Slough: The Global Business Gateway.

In a rapidly evolving contemporary business landscape, international trade and investment strategies are being reshaped. For global firms looking to establish or expand their footprint in the UK, Slough is emerging as a top contender, offering the perfect blend of location, connectivity, and economic resilience.

Key Location Factors

When choosing a location, businesses are prioritising five key factors:

1. Proximity to Transport Hubs – Easy access to global markets is essential, and Slough's location just minutes from Heathrow Airport and on the Elizabeth Line means international and domestic connectivity is seamless.

2. Access to Talent – Businesses need a skilled, diverse workforce. Slough is one of the top three most ethnically diverse towns in the UK, with a strong pipeline of talent from nearby universities, colleges, and training providers.

3. Digital and Physical Infrastructure – From world-class broadband speeds and data centres to high-spec office developments and logistics space, Slough offers the infrastructure to support modern business operations.

4. Cost Efficiency – Compared to nearby London, Slough offers competitive operational costs without compromising on connectivity or amenities, making it a smart choice for long-term investment.

5. Supportive Business Environment – Slough Borough Council and its partners actively support inward investment with a proactive, business-friendly approach and a clear vision for sustainable economic growth.

 

A Proven Market

Slough has one of the highest concentrations of UK headquarters for global companies outside London. The Slough Trading Estate – the largest industrial estate in single private ownership in Europe – is home to more than 17,000 jobs across over 400 businesses. From pioneering pharmaceutical firms to globally recognised consumer brands and cutting-edge data centres, Slough offers a dynamic and diverse ecosystem where businesses thrive and expand on an international scale.

The town sits within the Thames Valley, often referred to as the "Silicon Valley of Europe", a region that hosts one of the most concentrated clusters of global corporate headquarters outside London. With direct access to Central London via the Elizabeth Line, strategic positioning along the M4 corridor, and proximity to one of the world’s busiest international airports, Slough offers seamless connectivity for business travel, logistics, and international operations.

Pat Hayes, Executive Director of Housing, Property, and Regeneration at Slough Borough Council says: “Slough delivers on every front with unparalleled connectivity, a rich and diverse talent pool, and world-class digital infrastructure. Slough is the strategic choice for international companies and we’re proud to be home to global brands and ready to welcome the next wave of businesses looking to thrive in the contemporary economy.”

Case Studies at a Glance

LEGO Group

• Sector: Consumer Goods / Toys

• Overview: The LEGO Group’s UK and Ireland head office is in Slough. The town offers excellent logistics connections and access to skilled professionals, making it an ideal location for the brand’s regional operations.

• Impact: LEGO's presence in Slough demonstrates the town’s appeal to recognised family brands and its suitability for regional headquarters functions.

Mars, Incorporated

• Sector: FMCG / Food & Beverage

• Overview: Mars has had its UK headquarters in Slough since 1932, making it one of the town’s longest-standing multinational employers. The iconic Mars Bar was first manufactured here, and the site continues to house both a major production facility and key corporate functions.

• Impact: Mars remains a cornerstone of Slough’s business identity, combining global reach with deep local roots. Its long-term presence underscores the town’s capacity to support and retain major international businesses across generations.

O₂ (Telefónica UK)

• Sector: Telecommunications

• Overview: O₂’s UK headquarters are in Slough Trading Estate, spread across four buildings that have historically housed thousands of staff. The company, part of global telecoms giant Telefónica, runs core operational, commercial, and customer services from this strategic location.

• Impact: O₂’s continued presence confirms Slough’s role as a hub for the UK’s digital and telecoms infrastructure. It highlights the town’s capacity to support large-scale corporate offices and attract talent in fast-moving, tech-driven industries.

A Post-Brexit Opportunity

In a post-Brexit UK, businesses are seeking agile, well-connected, and cost-effective locations to navigate new trade landscapes. Slough’s business ecosystem, backed by proactive local leadership and a culture of innovation, offers just that. It's not only one of the most productive urban economies in the UK but also one of the most diverse and future-ready.

Join Slough’s Global Business Community

From multinationals to tech innovators and logistics leaders, Slough has long attracted global players. Now, with the reorientation of trade routes and business strategies, Slough is perfectly primed to be the UK’s most connected business destination. Whether you're entering the UK market for the first time or expanding your regional presence, Slough offers the strategic advantages to make your move a success.