Ten Reasons to Invest

Strategic Location

Positioned right at the centre of Europe, at the crossroads of the flow between North and South.  Major transport networks (motorway, railway, air and maritime links) places this urban area at less than 250 km from leading European capitals : Brussels, Paris and London.

3rd most important Urban Area in the Pas-de-Calais

The Boulogne Urban area Community (CAB) groups 22 districts totalling 122,760 inhabitants, representing 8.5% of the Pas-de-Calais population.  This area comprises 596 inhabitants per km², compared to 216 for the Pas-de-Calais.

3- Large amount of suitably qualified Human Resources

29% of the population is under 20 years of age.  The labour force is qualified and keen.  The University of the Littoral, situated at the 4 corners of the Opal Coast (Boulogne-sur-Mer, Calais, Dunkirk and Saint Omer) brings together 11,000 students, with the specialisation of each site partially linked to the activities of local industry.

4- Good supply of Land and Property

Company offices with shared facilities (e.g. conference room etc.), relay buildings and land available in activity areas all form part of a wide range of opportunities.

5- On going Plans for the area

These include the Napoleon port (reorganisation of port space for improved town-port links), Major Town Project (restructuring of several areas), link between the A16 and the port, supportive environment for company start ups (e.g. initial preferential tariffs, accountancy advice etc.), assistance for fisheries-food produce industry in developing new products and offices with shared facilities for companies developing in information and communication technologies (TIC).  

6- Availability of Financial Support

Financial support at various levels (including local, regional, national and European) can be obtained. They are being renegociated for the period starting 2007.

7- Individually Designed Support

Boulogne-sur-Mer Developpement Côte d’Opale - unique resource for those planning to set up and develop economically - assists in defining plans, suggests appropriate sites for setting up, seeks out trade and financial partners and helps in the recruitment of human resources.

 8- A Network of partners extending a positive Welcome to companies

The Agency can mobilise all the players needed for the management and success of companies’ plans : local administration, employment services, training centres, government services etc.

9-  A dense and diversified Economic Network 

The Boulogne-sur-Mer urban area includes 3,669 establishments in very varied sectors of activity such as the industry (602), trade (1634), services (1433),

10- Privileged Lifestyle

Benefiting from an exceptional natural landscape with a rich cultural and artistic patrimony, the Boulogne region is a land of relaxation and leisure.   Numerous structures provide a warm welcome and look after accommodation needs ; sizeable sports and leisure facilities are also available.

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