Oxford economic hub case study

Background

• Oxford University and Oxford Brooke’s bring skilled students to the area
• Several research organisations there (e.g ^^Medical Research Council^^)
• Long tradition of motor industry (e.g ^^Mini^^)
• ^^40 miles^^ from Heathrow
• ^^50 miles^^ from London - fast train link
• Hub for ^^hi-tech companies^^

Changes

• More companies than ever

• ^^Science Parks and Research Parks^^ have grown to accommodate the increase in companies - ^^new roads, buildings and services^^ have been created (e.g ^^Harwell Campus Research Park has built an innovation centre and 1,400 homes for employees^^)

• Companies have grown and expanded (e.g ^^Oxford Instruments grew from a small company in 1959 to a global company in 2000s^^)

Regional significance

• Employment in hi-tech industries in Oxford ^^grew by 40% in early 2000s^^ - has led to a ^^boom in house prices^^, people on low incomes have been priced out of Oxfordshire
• Employment in services for residents has increased (e.g ^^between 1998 - 2008 jobs in education rose by 50%^^)
• ^^Commuting times are high^^ and there are issues with pollution as a result

National significance

• Oxford is home to globally respected hi-tech companies in biotechnology, medicine and motorsports - this brings prestige to the UK
• Oxford Instruments produce hi-tech tools and instruments. They employ over 1,500 in the UK and abroad, spreading money and jobs. They have a regional office in Yatton