Croydon is central to London’s vision for sustainable, inclusive growth and plays a pivotal role in driving economic progress across the wider South East. As the capital’s most populous borough, with nearly 400,000 residents, Croydon’s scale is comparable in size and economic output to major UK cities such as Leicester, Coventry, and Aberdeen. With over 1,000 trains running daily, Croydon town centre is just 13 minutes from Central London and 15 minutes from Gatwick Airport, making it uniquely placed for business, residential, and leisure growth.
A borough with deep historical roots and a strong sense of place, today Croydon is leading a new era of growth: diverse, creative, and investment-ready. In 2024, the borough recorded a 24% surge in microbusinesses, the highest in London and third in the UK — a clear signal of entrepreneurial energy and strong local demand.
Croydon also boasts more creative businesses per capita than Manchester, Leeds, or Birmingham, with a cultural ecosystem anchored by organisations like Merky HQ (Stormzy), Boxpark, Fairfield Halls, and The BRIT School.
“Croydon is a borough defined by its history, its hustle, and its heart. We have an edge – the energy of the youngest, most diverse community in London, and the drive to turn opportunity into growth. Our unrivalled connectivity binds us not only to Central London and the South East, but to the heart of a £100 billion economy. We are London’s greenest borough, where open spaces meet a bustling town centre, creating the perfect conditions for business, creativity and life to flourish. With 16,000 businesses and a growing network of innovation hubs, Croydon is leading the way.”
Mayor Jason Perry, Executive Mayor, London Borough of Croydon
Major Employers
Crystal Palace FC, Mott Macdonald, AECOM, London South Bank University, Croydon University Hospital & Superdrug.
GVA £10.7BN IN 2022
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GVA £10.7BN IN 2022
HOME TO 16,000 BUSINESSES
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HOME TO 16,000 BUSINESSES
24% RISE IN MICROBUSINESSES IN 2024
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24% RISE IN MICROBUSINESSES IN 2024
20 MILES OF THAMES RIVERFRONT
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20 MILES OF THAMES RIVERFRONT
INNOVATION & INVESTMENT IN CROYDON
Croydon welcomes over 140,000 daily visitors, reflecting its importance as a sub-regional economic, cultural, and commercial centre. Planned infrastructure investment will further enhance this offer, including:
- Proposed improvements to East Croydon Station
- Renewal of the tram fleet
- Expansion of capacity at Gatwick Airport
This has been underpinned by a £30 million programme of public investment into Croydon’s town centre, which will improve public places, spaces, connections and assets.
These enhancements will reinforce Croydon’s role as a development hotspot, attracting residents, businesses, and visitors while supporting growth across the wider South London Partnership area.
