About Croydon
Croydon's unrivalled transport links and huge retail offering are well known, but there's a lot more to this, London's most populous borough, that draws businesses and shoppers here. This 'City in all but name' has a great arts and culture offering, boasts more green space than many neighbours plus a wide choice of properties and commercial premises. With London's only Economic Development Company helping to regenerate the borough, Croydon is London's most enterprising place to be.
Travel
Just 15 minutes from Central London and about the same time to Gatwick Airport, Croydon is very well connected.
The UK's most extensive tram network makes getting around the borough simple and later this year the East London Line tube extension will link up to West Croydon, ensuring Croydon's reputation as London's 'Best Connected' borough will be safe for many years to come.
Education
Croydon Council is investing £350m in the borough's schools to drive up standards and deliver the best in education. The Transforming Croydon's Schools programme (TCS) is just one of a number of initiatives to help all children here do the best they can.
Learning & Skills
Croydon's TCS programme is also investing in sixth forms and three new academies. It's part of a drive to turn out well educated and able young men and women that are ready to start work, or other forms of further education. Croydon College offers a vast range of really relevant skills training and a new Enterprise College is taking shape in Norbury that will focus on business and help more teachers to deliver enterprise education across the borough.
Economic Overview
The recession has hit Croydon as it has across London, but a number of initiatives are designed to ensure that when the slump recedes Croydon is well-placed to lead London out of recession.
The Croydon Economic Development Company is already leading on revitalising Croydon's economy and the borough has developed an ambitious economic recovery plan with major partners including JobCentre Plus. The Croydon Enterprise programme is also doing much good work to help set up new businesses, something that is particularly relevant to skilled people who may have been made redundant.
Lifestyle
Croydon's Clocktower is well-known as a top cultural centre with its own cinema. The borough also boasts a vast range of sports venues, golf courses, clubs, pubs and Time Out's top new restaurant.
Employment
International businesses such as Nestle and Bank of America have made their bases here. In addition, there are over 13,000 businesses based here - it adds up to many varied employment opportunities.
Key Industries
The service sector that includes big names such as AIG are big employers, as are BT and pubic sector organisations. There is a varied manufacturing side too - some high tech companies are based here.