Why Invest Essex Exists
Invest Essex was founded on a simple belief: Essex has everything it takes to compete on the national and global stage.
Our role is to make it easier for businesses, investors and partners to discover what the county has to offer, connect with the right people and turn those connections into new opportunities.
As the UK’s fourth largest and one of its most entrepreneurial economies, Essex is home to world-class businesses, internationally connected ports, freeports and airports, leading universities, exceptional talent and a fast-growing innovation landscape.
Yet there is an opportunity to tell Essex’s story more powerfully, strengthen links between business and investment, and help organisations establish, invest and grow in the county, while supporting Essex businesses to expand across the UK and into international markets.
Invest Essex exists to make those connections happen.
Our Founder
Invest Essex was founded by Louise McKinlay, drawing on more than twenty years experience spanning financial services, the private sector, consultancy and local government.
Before serving in local government, Louise built her career in the City, leading major transformation, operational and business change programmes within international financial services organisations. As a Company Director, strategic adviser and transformation leader, she has worked with organisations of all sizes, helping them navigate change, unlock growth and build the conditions for long-term success.
As former Deputy Leader of Essex County Council with responsibility for Economic Growth, Louise worked closely with businesses, investors, universities, government and strategic partners to support investment, regeneration and economic development across the county.
This unique combination of commercial, executive and public sector experience shaped the vision for Invest Essex.
It is founded on an understanding of how businesses make investment decisions, what organisations need to grow and how meaningful partnerships can create lasting economic value.
What We’re Here To Do
We don’t just promote Essex. We connect businesses, investors and partners to create opportunities that drive growth.
We champion Essex as a destination for investment, innovation and enterprise while helping businesses identify opportunities to establish, invest and grow—whether that’s expanding into Essex, establishing a UK presence, growing across the UK, entering international markets or building new strategic partnerships.
Through Invest Essex Trade Missions, the Invest Essex Growth Pavilion, business events and strategic introductions, we bring together the people and organisations that can help turn ambition into action.
Our role is to open doors, build relationships and create the conditions for investment, collaboration and sustainable economic growth.
★★★★★
“Invest Essex creates valuable connections between business, place, and partnership. Its role in bringing the right people together helps turn strategic interest into real momentum for growth.”
Looking Ahead
We believe Essex has the ambition, talent and connectivity to become one of the UK’s leading destinations for business investment, innovation and growth.
By working alongside businesses, local authorities, universities, investors and strategic partners, we’re helping build a stronger, more connected and internationally recognised Essex, to drive inward investment.
The future of Essex won’t be shaped by any one organisation.
It will be shaped by businesses willing to invest, partners willing to collaborate and people committed to creating opportunities together.
That’s the future we’re helping to build.