Five uncommon cities to set up your business in Europe

Barcelona

​Catalonia's capital city, Barcelona, stands out among major European cities not only for its historical, cultural, artistic, and architectural wealth but also for its great economic potential. Even though Barcelona has recently gone through a significant political upheaval following the referendum on Catalonia's independence, Barcelona stays determine to face new challenges and welcome more foreign investment to boost its development projects. Barcelona's economy is mainly based on industry, technology, biotechnology, environment, and sustainable mobility which are some of the promising fields for foreign professionnals and entrepreneurs looking for new prospects. Local authorities have recently launched a series of incentives to attract more foreign direct investment, including a transparency policy, tax breaks, and cost reduction on strategic projects. It is worth noting that companies that are willing to hire the young unemployed, and professionals aged over 45, are eligible for special grants. Moreover, Barcelona has recently set up a new program to improve its image at the international level with the help of public and private organisations.

Birmingham

A large European city, located in the West Midlands, in the UK, Birmingham has a rich industrial heritage. Birmingham especially owes its reputation to the 18^th century's industrial revolution. Today, the city has a vibrant and prosperous economy specialising in information and communication technology, high technology, trade, and services. Birmingham also hosts world famous automotive, jewelery, aviation, and shipbuilding companies. With the collaboration of local authorities, businesses, and universities, the West Midlands Growth Company aims at promoting investment prospects in the city. By choosing to set up your business in Birmingham, you will benefit not only from its proximity with London, the capital city, but also from a series of incentives including commercial property, help with recruitment, and support in terms of reseach and development. The West Midlands Growth Company also provides investors with information and statistics relating to their business, and networking opportunities. The Enterprise Zone, for example, has some forty sites catering for technology companies and digital media. The Advanced Manufacturing Center provides commercial and logistic support to businesses.

Bordeaux

​Located in the South-west of France, with over 250,000 inhabitants, Bordeaux is a port city that owes its reputation to viticulture. Who has never heard of the famous Bordeaux wine, made in the heart of the region's historical estates? However, as a mid-sized European city, Bordeaux now has a diversified economy with investment prospects in energy, healthcare, construction, industry, etc. "Invest in Bordeaux" is a company that is actively trying to boost the city's image and business climate with the help of many local organisations. Entrepreneurs looking to launch their startup in Bordeaux can benefit from its proximity to Paris thanks to a new high-speed train line. The Bordeaux Aéroparc OIM which is an investment zone dedicated to the aerospace industry, and the Inno-Campus de Bordeaux, focusing on health, research and innovation, hold various business prospects for foreign investors.

Debrecen

​Hungary's second biggest city, Debrecen is a small city compared to other European investment hubs, but it is quite attractive in terms of business prospects. Debrecen can definitely boast about its highly developed industrial and commercial infrastructure with scope for expansion, not to mention a developing and innovative community. Information and communication technology, electronics, pharmaceutics, and agribusiness are today its most dynamic sectors. Moreover, EDC Debrecen has set up a wide incentive progam in addition to existing national grants. You may be surprised to learn that Debrecen has the highest rate in terms of subsidy intensity in the European Union. The agency also allows investors to access to its commercial property database, and provides all required and relevant support by planning meetings with different investment stakeholders. If you have chosen Debrecen to set up your business, you will also benefit from a highly-skilled workforce thanks to the presence of the University of Debrecen which is one of the city's main assets.

Limerick

​Often refered to as the “Shannon Region”, Limerick is a small city located in the heart of the Midwest, in Ireland. Mainly a port city, Limerick now has a diversified economy since many multinational companies chose to set up there. Formerly an industrial and agricultural hub, Limerick has developed into a dynamic micro-city focusing on trade, high technology, information and communication technology, and tourism. Limerick 2030 is a broad strategic economic development project set up by the Limerick City and County Council to attract more foreign investment. While the DAC Limerick Twenty Thirty Strategic Development Company has committed to invest around 500 million euros in transforming the city's current infrastructure with the objective to boost the local business environment, the Local Enterprise Office has launched incentives encouraging foreign investors to take advantage of vacant commercial property. Expected by 2020, the Cleeves Riverside Campus, for example, will bring together key players from the education, tourism, and real estate sectors, as well as incubators and businesses.