Business Services
Plymouth is home to a thriving business services sector, offering a strong mix of financial and professional expertise. The city hosts leading commercial law firms, accountancy practices, management consultancies, and recruitment specialists. It is also a base for major contact centres serving both national and international clients, with recognised strengths in supporting the marine and advanced manufacturing industries.
14,953
Full Time Employees (FTE), making up over 15% of all jobs in Plymouth
£1,365m
Gross Value Added (GVA)
£139,000
GVA per FTE
Organisations
Plymouth’s business services sector is supported by a network of influential organisations driving growth and advocacy.
The Devon Chamber of Commerce leads regional efforts to improve the business environment across Devon and the South West, offering networking, trade training, and business intelligence.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) champions small and micro businesses with legal, tax, HR support, and a powerful voice influencing government policy.
Founded by Plymouth City Council and NHS Devon, Delt Shared Services provides innovative IT, payroll, HR, and estates management solutions across public and private sectors, contributing significant socio-economic value and local employment.
Skills
Plymouth’s educational institutions power the business services workforce with industry-relevant training and expertise.
The University of Plymouth Business School supports over 2,400 students with accredited degrees in business, law, logistics, and tourism, emphasising responsible practices and real-world application. The Law Clinic, run by University of Plymouth law students, offers free legal advice to the community while providing invaluable student training. Through Enterprise Solutions and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, the University connects businesses with research, innovation, and graduate talent to drive productivity and growth.
Plymouth Marjon University provides specialised criminology and forensic programmes alongside co-working spaces to blend student learning with business engagement. City College Plymouth delivers a wide range of professional and apprenticeship courses in accounting, HR, and management, underpinning business skills development.
The Plymouth Law Society promotes high professional standards and advocacy for local solicitors.
Places
Plymouth offers vibrant business spaces designed for productivity, innovation, and community connection.
BLOCK Workspace, located within the historic Royal William Yard, features stylish co-working areas, private offices, meeting rooms, plus lifestyle amenities including a gym, yoga studio, and dog-friendly café. At the Apex Plymouth in the Science and Technology Park, businesses enjoy flexible office solutions with modern meeting rooms, breakout spaces, and virtual office services.
THINQTANQ supports the evolving needs of modern professionals with office and meeting spaces, plus sustainability initiatives like carbon offsetting through tree planting for its members.
Networks
Plymouth’s business community is characterised by a strong sense of collaboration and active networking.
Key groups fostering connections include the 6 O'clock Club, Digital Plymouth, Plymouth Manufacturers’ Group, and Micromingles.
The city also benefits from engagement with design-focused groups like Plymouth Design Forum, and long-standing organisations such as the Devon Chamber of Commerce and Federation of Small Businesses. Regular LinkedIn Local meet-ups further strengthen the pro-business, cooperative spirit that defines Plymouth’s economy.
Specialist companies
Plymouth is home to a wide range of organisations in the business sector, including:
Find out more about the Business Services sector in Plymouth.
Get in touch
If your organisation operates in the business sector and you’re looking to grow or relocate to Plymouth, our Invest Plymouth team can help. Contact us today to explore the tailored support and opportunities available in this industry.
Plymouth is one of the best ‘value for money’ cities in the UK with salary costs 26% lower than London and office costs 35% lower than the South East.
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