The city of Cambridge and the university have played significant roles in the development of economic growth, not just in the UK but globally.

Cambridge has a highly skilled workforce, with a strong focus on research and development, and technology. The city has a thriving high-tech cluster, known as the “Cambridge Cluster” or “Silicon Fen,” which comprises many technology companies and startups, including ARM Holdings, Cambridge Silicon Radio, and Cambridge Display Technology. The city is home to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, one of the world’s largest biomedical research centers, and will soon be home to the headquarters for AstraZeneca.

The University of Cambridge has also played a significant role in economic growth. Being home to the world famous University of Cambridge has its benefits, one being the huge economic impact this has. The university has produced numerous Nobel Prize winners and has been responsible for groundbreaking research in many fields, including medicine, engineering, and computer science. The university’s research has led to the creation of many new companies, which have contributed significantly to the local and national economy. A recent report by London Economics measured the Universities impact on the UK economy in 2020-2021, to total a staggering £29.8 billion. The university provides 86,000 full time jobs across the UK, 52,000 of which are in the East of England. This equates to the by far the biggest economic impact of any university in the UK. 

Overall, the combination of a highly skilled workforce, a thriving technology cluster, and world-class research institutions has made Cambridge a hub of economic growth in the UK and beyond.

Data released from the most recent census in 2021 showed that Cambridge experienced the fifth highest population increase in the whole country in the previous decade. The city’s population rose from 123,867 in 2011 to 145,700 in 2021 according to census statistics. This is an increase of 17.6%.

The population growth in Cambridge can be attributed to several factors, including its strong economy, world-class university, and desirable location. Being the home to a thriving high-tech industry, including the world-renowned “Silicon Fen” technology cluster, has created many job opportunities and attracted skilled professionals from around the world to Cambridge. The city’s historic university also attracts thousands of students each year, many of whom choose to stay in the area after graduation.

In addition, Cambridge’s location, just 80 kilometres north of London, makes it an attractive location for commuters and businesses looking to establish a presence outside of the capital. The city has also invested in transport infrastructure, including improvements to the rail network and cycle paths, making it easier for people to travel to and around the city.

Overall, the population growth in Cambridge reflects its reputation as a desirable place to live, work, and study, driven by its strong economy, world-class university, and attractive location. This growth brings with it an increasing demand for housing making it a fantastic opportunity for buy-to-let investors.

Cambridge has good rail connections to London, with direct trains to King’s Cross taking just 45 minutes, making it an ideal location for commuters. There are also regular services to other major UK cities, including Birmingham, Manchester, and Norwich. The city has two main train stations – Cambridge Station and Cambridge North Station – both of which offer a range of services.

Cambridge is situated on the M11 motorway, which provides a direct route to London and the M25 motorway. The A14 also runs through the city and provides links to the east coast ports and the Midlands.

Just a short drive down the M11 you will find Stansted Airport offering international flights. In addition, Cambridge also has a busy airport, Cambridge International Airport, which serves a range of domestic and international destinations.

Travel within the city is also easy with a network of local bus services providing connections to the city centre, surrounding towns and villages, and the university campuses. Cycling is also popular, with the city boasting a comprehensive network of cycle paths and lanes.

Cambridge is a popular tourist destination, known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and world-renowned university. The city attracts millions of visitors each year, which has contributed significantly to its economic growth.

Cambridge has a rich cultural heritage, and its historic buildings, such as the King’s College Chapel and the Cambridge University Library, attract many tourists interested in architecture and history. The city also has several museums and art galleries, including the Fitzwilliam Museum, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, and the Kettle’s Yard gallery, which are popular attractions for visitors.

The University of Cambridge is another major draw for tourists, who come to visit its historic colleges and libraries, including Trinity College, St John’s College, and the Wren Library. Many tourists also take punting tours along the River Cam, which offers beautiful views of the city’s architecture and green spaces.

The tourism industry has had a significant impact on the local economy, creating jobs and generating income for local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. The city has also invested in improving its tourism infrastructure, with several new hotels and tourist attractions opening in recent years.

Overall, Cambridge’s unique cultural heritage, beautiful architecture, and world-renowned university make it a popular tourist destination, contributing significantly to its economic growth.