We have long been associated with manufacturing, but over recent years the picture has changed. The majority of businesses within the borough now are in the wholesale/retail distribution sector, with a high proportion of financial and business services; transport, storage and communications companies and construction companies. Public services are also a major employer in the borough.
The manufacturing sector in Barking and Dagenham continues to employ a far larger proportion of the workforce than in London or the UK as a whole. The borough continues to enjoy advantages that make it a competitive location for manufacturing businesses.
It is strategically placed in the region with excellent road links west to the city and east to the London docks. These will be enhanced still further by improvements to the A13 and the proposed Thames Gateway Bridge.
As heavy industry as shrunk, other sectors have grown, including, lower density manufacturing and transport, storage and communication operations. During the 1990s the construction industry grew and vehicle repair businesses clustered in the riverside areas.
However, the borough is home to nationally important employers such as Ford, Sanofi Aventis, Hi-Grade, Dairy Crest and Welbeck. We will build on their presence to help build local supply chains and networks.
The majority of jobs in Barking and Dagenham are now provided by small and medium sized enterprises, with an average workforce of 17 employees per company. The borough's stock of businesses is growing, but is still low compared to other London boroughs.
We will give priority to supporting Barking and Dagenham's small and medium sized enterprises and growing our stock of businesses still further.
Our Economic Development Strategy sets out the following objectives:
Economic Development Strategy
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Terry Regan
Interim Group Manager - Economic Development
Town Hall
1 Town Square
Barking
IG11 7LU
Tel: 020 8227 5315
Fax: 020 8724 8094
Textphone: 020 8227 3034
Email: terry.regan@lbbd.gov.uk|
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© 2008 London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
Civic Centre
Rainham Road North, Dagenham, RM10 7BN
Telephone: 020 8215 3000
Fax: 020 8227 5184
Textphone: 020 8227 5755
Email: enquiries@lbbd.gov.uk|
Telephone: 020 8594 8356
Fax: 020 8227 3470