Invest Portsmouth

Portsmouth is a vibrant coastal city with a proud maritime heritage. As a global centre for marine, technology, aerospace, defence, advanced manufacturing and engineering, the city is undergoing exciting multi-million pound development. There’s never been a better time to be part of Portsmouth’s story.

Why Portsmouth

Portsmouth is recognised as the UK’s second coolest city to live in according to Nomads Nation (2023). It has been praised for its ‘cool up and coming areas’, its connectivity with London, and inspired regeneration projects. View Portsmouth’s key statistics.

Whether you’re looking to grow your business, relocate, or invest, Portsmouth has the people, infrastructure and ambition to help you succeed.

Commerce

Portsmouth has been home to the Royal Navy since 1194. Almost two-thirds of the Royal Navy’s surface ships are based in the city, including the flagship aircraft carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince Of Wales.

Major employers include Airbus Defence and Space, Babcock, BAE Systems, and Space South Central – the UK’s largest space industry cluster. The city is also seeing rapid growth in sectors like health and social care. View Portsmouth’s key statistics to find out more about the local economy.

Transport

Portsmouth has excellent transport links – 70 miles from London and only 30 minutes from the nearest airport. Portsmouth International Port is the UK’s best-connected and second-busiest port, offering frequent services to mainland Europe. Its freeport status further strengthens international trade opportunities.

Tourism

Portsmouth attracts over 11 million visitors each year. Main attractions include:

• HMS Victory and the Historic Dockyard
• Henry VIII’s flagship Mary Rose
• D-Day Story Museum
• Gunwharf Quays for designer shopping and harbour restaurant dining
• a prestigious event programme including Victorious – UK’s top growing music festivals

Regeneration and investment

We’re delivering ambitious regeneration projects across the city – creating new homes, business spaces and public areas. These projects focus on driving economic growth, strengthening communities, celebrating our skills and heritage, and embracing innovation and technology.