Harlow has been ranked number one in the United Kingdom for growth in new business creation ahead of every major city including London and Manchester, with new research revealing a 25% increase in the number of businesses being established in the town.
The findings, published by online accountancy firm eAccounts using the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, place Harlow at the very top of the national rankings, ahead of major cities including London, Manchester and Southampton.
A total of 325 new businesses were created in Harlow between January and June 2026, compared with 260 during the same period in 2025, representing an increase of 25%.
The achievement is particularly significant against a national backdrop of declining business creation, with the research identifying a 3.1% fall across the UK over the same period.
Southampton ranked second with growth of 20.7%, followed by Mid Ulster at 19.2%. No London borough featured in the national top ten.
The research provides further national recognition of Harlow’s growing economic confidence and ambition as the council continues to deliver its Building Harlow’s Future programme, including the biggest regeneration of the town in generations, attracting major investment and creating new opportunities.
Commenting on the news, Councillor Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, said:
“This is fantastic news for Harlow. At a time when new business creation is falling nationally, Harlow is bucking the trend with a remarkable 25% increase, putting our town at number one in the country, ahead of every major city including London and Manchester.
“This is further proof that our plan to Build Harlow’s Future is working. We are rebuilding our town centre, attracting billions of pounds of investment, transforming our town and creating the confidence and conditions for businesses to invest, grow and succeed. We have a clear plan, we are delivering it, and the results are speaking for themselves.
“Behind every one of those 325 new businesses is someone with an idea, ambition and the courage to make it happen. Someone working hard, taking risks and investing in a better future for themselves and their family. These are the people we are incredibly proud to back, because their success is Harlow’s success.
“For too long, towns like Harlow have been overlooked in favour of the big cities. We are changing that. Our ambitious plans, unprecedented investment and determination to transform Harlow are restoring confidence in our town, attracting businesses and creating new jobs and opportunities for local people.
“We have always known the ambition and talent that exists in Harlow. Now the whole country can see it. We are building a town where businesses want to invest, people want to succeed and our children and grandchildren can have a brighter future. This is Building Harlow’s Future in action, and we are only just getting started.”
The findings come as Harlow undergoes a major transformation through the council’s Building Harlow’s Future programme, with regeneration underway across the town centre and significant investment aimed at strengthening the local economy, supporting businesses and creating new jobs.