An Economic overview of Farnham

With a residential population of approximately 26,650 in the year 2016, a highly skilled workforce, excellent transport infrastructure which connects to London and the surrounding South East region, Farnham continues to attract a wide range of businesses and individuals.

Coupled with the entrepreneurial culture that has existed in the town for many years now, Farnham has continued to grow and go from strength to strength despite the many constraints that have been placed on much of the United Kingdom since the recession of 2008.

The following sectors in particular, have shown strong growth:

• Computer, Gaming, Digital and Creative Technologies
• Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
• Financial, Business and Professional Services
• Pharmaceuticals
• Advanced Manufacturing

However, despite the town’s resilience throughout recent economic difficulties, that hasn’t stopped Waverly Borough Council from teaming up with Atkins to help form an economic strategy which is based on economic profile data and designed to align with the council’s local plan.

The council intend to achieve long term sustainable prosperity for their residents and local businesses by following these six key objectives.

• Provide high quality infrastructure.
• Support businesses and provide affordable housing for key workers.
• Manage employment growth and continue to encourage skilled and well paid jobs.
• Maintain and enhance the attractiveness of main settlements.
• Safeguard and maintain the borough’s attractive character and high quality of life.

Much of the business base in the local area is dominated by small and medium sized enterprises, making it the ideal location to start up a new business.

Moreover, retail premises have continued to have relatively low vacancy rates across the high street, which were a modest 7% in 2014. This would suggest that Farnham town centre is both economically viable as well as an attractive investment opportunity for purchasers and occupiers alike. 

These positive statistics would indicate that Farnham is a town that can provide a prosperous future for you and your business