Located in the West Midlands region of England, this county is an interesting mix of urban and rural life, with plenty of opportunities for investment.
History
Shropshire has a long and fascinating history stretching all the way back to prehistoric times. The Iron Age hill fort at Old Oswestry was part of a large defensive network that once stretched across most of Britain. Later on, it became one of William the Conqueror’s many strongholds as he consolidated his power over Britain in 1086.
Location and Motorway Access
Shropshire is bordered by Wales to the west, Cheshire and Staffordshire to the north, Worcestershire in the east, Herefordshire in the south-east and Powys in Wales to the south. Major motorways are easily accessible from Shropshire including M54 (Stoke-on-Trent - Telford), A49 (south of Warrington - Ludlow) and M6 (Cheshire - Northamptonshire).
Logistics
The county’s modern infrastructure makes it well suited for businesses looking to invest. There are two airports close by - Birmingham International Airport and Manchester International Airport. There are a number of national railway freight companies that pass through the county. Additionally, there is an extensive network of road links which makes travel within or out of Shropshire easy and efficient.
Industry
Shropshire has had a long history in industry with major employers centred around iron works, quarrying and coal mining. The area is now home to a diverse range of businesses including automotive manufacturing, food-processing, IT and engineering amongst others. In recent years the county has also become known for its microbreweries and cider makers.
Population
Shropshire’s population is relatively small, with a total population of approximately 500,000. However, the county has seen significant growth in recent years due to an increase in business investment. This makes Shropshire an attractive place for companies looking for a growing customer base.
Investment
In order to support industry and business growth in Shropshire, local councils have invested heavily in transport infrastructure and regeneration projects throughout the area. This has resulted in a number of major investments, such as new housing developments, retail parks and leisure complexes.
