Harlow is 4 times above the national average as a sector strong area for life sciences
Essex Sector Development Strategy, Essex County Council, 2022
Harlow’s Key Sectors
Scientific Research
ICT
Administration
Logistics
Education
Manufacturing
Life Sciences
Health and Social Care
Construction
Creative Industries
Harlow’s Diverse and Leading Businesses
Molecular Products
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Synthomer
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Renesas
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Smartkas
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Xylem
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GSK
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Hanley Smith
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Sims
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Astro Lighting
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Brakes
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Poundland
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Raytheon
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Pearson
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Arrow
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Kao Data
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Charles River
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Wright’s Flour
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O-I
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Harlow Group
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Teva
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KGK Genix
Harlow company embracing innovation to become more sustainable and recognised as ‘carbon neutral plus’
KGK Genix are a full-service, creative, large format print production company based in Harlow, who have pivoted their company to become the leaders in sustainability in their industry. They are recognised as ‘Carbon Neutral Plus’ and have a green alternative for every material that they offer.
KGK Genix specialise in designing and producing large format print displays, such as campaign brand activations for the retail sector and events and exhibition displays. They have embraced sustainability by researching and developing their own exclusive range of Eco-friendly print solutions and materials. This includes eco solutions for all kinds of visual activation, including interior branding and signage, retail campaign displays and event graphics. Their eco-range boasts a range of materials that can be reused, repurposed, and ultimately recycled.
For KGK Genix, embracing being more sustainable also makes good financial sense. For instance, Graham Pitts, Group Managing Director of KGK Genix commented on the installation of new equipment: “For us a recently installed new printing machine uses 75% less electricity than the one it replaced – that’s a considerable saving and contributed to being more sustainable”.
KGK Genix are also supporting the local community through recycling. Recently they have introduced an upcycling scheme in partnership with local secondary schools and colleges. The scheme supplies waste off-cut materials that can be repurposed and upcycled, reducing waste, and supporting local education facilities. Find out more about KGK Genix eco friendly initiatives here.
SMARTKAS
Harlow is at the heart of the innovation corridor comprising London, Stansted and Cambridge.
SMARTKAS is a Dutch agriculture and food technology enterprise that designs, builds, owns and operates smart farms. SMARTKAS operates a 25,000 sq. ft. smart greenhouse within the Harlow Innovation Park, yielding 500,000kg of sustainably grown strawberries annually.
Building on its mission to eradicate global food problems and provide food security as a service, the SMARTKAS smart-farm will meet the UK’s growing demand for year-round, locally grown strawberries.
The Harlow-based facility, also conducts research and development operations as well as production.
Mark Kirby, CCO of SMARTKAS, adds: “SMARTKAS is revolutionising the farming industry and eradicating global food problems by providing food security as a service and building on our belief that access to food and water should be a basic human right. Our new smart-farm facility requires locally skilled employees to support the development and success of our operation and technologies. With plans to design, build and operate a further 300,000 sqft facility in the UK before 2024, SMARTKAS is extremely excited about the current and future relationship with Harlow Council.”
Councillor Dan Swords, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, said: “On behalf of Harlow Council I want to welcome SMARTKAS to our town, and specifically the Innovation Park. The innovations in agriculture and food enterprise which underpin the company’s business model will be an excellent fit for the Innovation Park; in addition, the need for locally skilled workers to help drive the development of the business in Harlow will be of great benefit to the Harlow economy and further strengthen the town’s reputation as a research and development centre.
“Harlow is at the heart of the innovation corridor comprising London, Stansted and Cambridge, and with aspirational companies like SMARTKAS, and others that are also at the forefront of the science and technology industries set to make Harlow their home soon, it really is an exciting time for our community.”
Snootie Studios
Based at Parndon Mill Studios Harlow
Snootie Studios is a multidisciplinary studio which champions collaboration and experimentation, whilst trying to push the expectations of design. Working with Clients such as The Barbican, Mind and University of the Arts London to design outcomes that have a sense of place and are socially motivated.
Within Harlow and locally, they work with lots of small to medium enterprises, setting them up with design work to start their business ventures. Outside of Harlow, they work with lots of education institutions and brands to create focussed pieces of design for their causes.
The team are from Harlow, and very inspired by the new town story. “Harlow offered our grandparents an escape from post-war London, and gave them the opportunity to grow and learn, with a house, a job, and a huge public sculpture collection of world-class fine art. We want to revive that optimism that the town had, by promoting pride within the town and starting our business here. The creative industries in London are slowly seeping further out of the city, and it’s only a matter of time until it reaches Harlow”.
The Snootie Studios team believe there’s a lot more opportunity to start a business in Harlow due it’s small but powerful communities, giving you a chance to make more of an impact than in a larger city.
Elite Express Logistics
Nick Eva, Director of Elite Express Logistics
Elite Express Logistics are a same day express courier company based in Harlow, also offering a storage facility and transportation. They ensure safe delivery and storage of lighting, bespoke furniture, pieces for exhibitions and so much more.
Elite Express started business in Chelmsford, but within eight months moved to Harlow. They have worked in Harlow for the last five and a half years and have built a good loyal customer base. They believe Harlow as a town generates a lot of business and seems to be a place where things are happening.
Their new larger offices include a storage facility at the Harlow Business centre. They work with various local businesses including a company that supplies aircraft parts. Year on year they are looking to increase the number of vehicles and services on offer.
