Invest in Thanet

(Source: Cambridge Model Economic Impact Study 2023)

As UK property prices reach record highs, making your capital go further is a priority. Thanet (East Kent) offers a competitive edge that is hard to find elsewhere in the South East:

• Office rents: Secure quality space at rates up to 80% lower than London and 60% lower than the South East average.
• Housing: Properties here are approximately 30% more affordable than the regional average, offering your team an accessible route to homeownership.

Whether you are relocating a corporate team or scaling a startup, Thanet provides a high-spec environment without the “London tax.”

With 19 miles of stunning sandy coastline, a number of Blue Flag bays, and the longest continuous stretch of coastal chalk in Britain, Thanet offers a lifestyle that prioritises well-being.

• Mental & physical health: Our gently sloping beaches are ideal for swimming and coastal walks—the perfect antidote to a busy work week.
• Eco-tourism potential: Our coastline is internationally significant for marine and bird life, featuring rare chalk grassland and thriving seal colonies.
• Leisure amenities: From seasonal beach huts to water sports, wild swimming and sauna facilities the lifestyle pull for employees is unmatched.

Thanet boasts the largest concentration of listed structures in the South East of England (some 2,500 buildings). From Georgian terraces and Victorian villas to iconic Bauhaus seaside homes, our architecture is a unique canvas for business.

These assets are ideal for:

• Boutique holiday accommodation: Converting historic buildings into high-yield character stays.
• Creative hubs: Transforming unique spaces into inspiring studios or “offices with a difference.”
• Development sites: Accessible commercial and industrial land with direct dual-carriageway access to the M2 and M25.

Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate and villages each offer a distinct character. You’ll find big-name brands alongside quirky independents, world-class galleries, like Turner Contemporary, and a thriving food and drink scene.

For families, the draw is simple: impressive grammar schools, fresh sea air, and a fast-evolving creative culture. It’s a place where you can achieve a genuine work-life balance.

Thanet is better connected than ever. The High Speed 1 (HS1) rail link and improved road networks ensure your business stays integrated with London and Europe.

• Regional links from Thanet: Reach Canterbury in just 15–20 minutes and Ashford International in 30 minutes.
• Road & Sea: Just 45 minutes from Dover, providing a direct gateway to Continental Europe, with easy access to the M2 and M25.

We don’t just want you to move here; we want you to thrive. Through our Destination Management Plan, we offer:

• Strong public and private sector collaboration.
• Dedicated council support for inward investment and new business startups.
• Access to various business funding opportunities and ‘soft landing’ spaces with on-site support.