Business 

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.

Barking and Dagenham Enterprise (BDE) is the team responsible for economic development in Barking and Dagenham. We support, encourage, promote and develop individual, community and business enterprise.

BDE is implementing an ambitious programme of inspiring the people of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham to seize the opportunities created by Thames Gateway regeneration programme and the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Through the Skills, Jobs and Enterprise Board Single Programme, BDE will increase the wealth and household income of Barking and Dagenham residents by utilising the growth opportunities and expanding the local economy to create a sustainable future.

BDE believes that enterprise is the path to a better and fuller life for Barking and Dagenham and its people.

Visit the Barking and Dagenham Enterprise website for more information.

Our Economic Development Strategy sets out the following objectives:

• Provide leadership and coordination to economic development in Barking and Dagenham
• Help build the enabling environment for business growth - transport, the built environment and information and communication technologies
• Make Barking and Dagenham a business-friendly council, so that our policy takes into account the needs of businesses
• Support business growth, retention and competitiveness, working with our partners to ensure that our businesses are able to find sites, training and advice that they need to thrive within our borough
• Promote social inclusion, encouraging the growth of social enterprise, intermediate labour markets and local entrepreneurs, so that all communities and neighbourhoods benefit
• Help local into employment and into more rewarding, better paid jobs, by increasing their access to employment opportunities and improving their skills, mobility and employability
• Use our power as a major local employer and purchaser of goods and services to foster economic growth in Barking and Dagenham

Economic development strategy