Uttlesford District Council
Uttlesford District Council
Uttlesford has been partnered with NEEB for a number of years, as a small rural district this allows us to be part of larger projects that cover the north of the district, providing a wider range of economic support opportunities for businesses and skills and training packages for residents that individually would not be feasible within our resources or budget.
More about Uttlesford
We like to think of ourselves as a hidden gem. Many people do not know where to find us despite the fact we are within easy reach of both Cambridge and London – and yet the area is regularly rated as one of the best places to live and work in the country.
Uttlesford is a unique district; geographically large with low population density but with thriving market towns and an International airport. We are typically identified as an affluent area, with high property prices, a highly skilled population and very high levels of car ownership.
A rural point in the Innovation Corridor
The 2020 ONS population estimate for Uttlesford district was 92,800 while the 2021 Census data identified the population density was just 142 usual residents per square kilometre, the lowest in Essex and one of the lowest in the East of England. The district is categorised by DEFRA as Rural 80 which means that more than 80% of the population live in rural settlements putting Uttlesford in the top 12% most rural areas of the country.
Much of our economy takes place outside our historic town centres and we are perfectly positioned to be a key part of the UK Innovation Corridor running between London and Cambridge. Companies on Chesterford Research Park are some of the districts largest employers.
In December 2022 a total of 5,645 businesses operated within the borders, of these 91% are classified as micro operations employing fewer than 10 people.
One of our key corporate objectives is to nurture employment and retail areas to create jobs and retain businesses. We aim to protect and grow our town centres as economic hubs and increase tourist spend. We will also support the expansion and promotion of key relevant employment sectors for the district.