Question 1

TJX Europe

Accepted Answer

“We’re proud to be part of the Watford community. Watford has been home to our European Head office for over 20 years and we are delighted to now be able to build our home here. Watford is a fantastic place for a business like TJX Europe – within easy reach of central London and with great transport links to our stores and offices across Europe and beyond. We believe it is the right location to meet our ambitious growth plans in the years to come.”

Louise Greenlees President, TJX Europe

Question 2

Regal London

Accepted Answer

“With fast links into the capital and to Heathrow, The Clarendon Works offers an ideal location for forwardthinking businesses looking for best-in-class central London spec workspace – without central London overheads. We look forward to bringing Regal London’s design excellence, service -led approach and experience in residential, to bare on this office project prime location that will attract quality businesses to Watford town centre, enhancing further this prime location.”

Ghislaine Halpenny Director of ESG and Corporate Affairs

Question 3

Wunderman Thompson Commerce

Accepted Answer

“Watford just works for us as a company – if it didn’t we wouldn’t have built our new Head Office here! We looked at other locations, but Watford just ticked all the boxes. We are able to attract some amazing talent in the local area and with our flexible approach to working and our new, easily accessible high tech offices, we are also able to attract the best people around.”

James Westoby, Managing Director Wunderman Thompson Commerce

Question 4

Hyde Watford

Accepted Answer

"Home to major national and multi-national companies, Clarendon Road plays host to a spread of bluechip occupiers, who take advantage of Watford’s exceptional accessibility to London and the rest of the UK, via National Rail, London Underground and the motorway networks."

Question 5

Knight Frank (Global Property Market Insight)

Accepted Answer

"Watford has experienced recent regeneration and development. The area’s connectivity and amenities are attractive to companies looking to establish or expand a presence near London. The introduction of further new developments, such as a mixed-use scheme on Clarendon Road by Regal London, suggests strong confidence in the market and is aimed at meeting the growing demand for highquality office space.

"Rents in Watford are relatively affordable compared to other South East office markets, which has been a major attraction for businesses. Watford hosts a range of prominent office occupiers, reflecting its status as a key business hub. Notable companies with a significant presence include TK Maxx, which has established its new European headquarters there.

"Other significant tenants include KPMG and PwC, which underline Watford’s appeal to professional services firms. Additionally, the area has attracted tech companies like ACI and other prominent names like Ralph Lauren, FIS Global, Wunderman Thompson Commerce, Ricoh, and BioRad."

To find out more, visit knightfrank.com/research/article/2024-05-22-why-watford

Question 6

Lambert Smith Hampton (Property Consultants)

Accepted Answer

"An annual health assessment of the UK’s largest towns and cities outside London in 2024, undertaken by property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH), has revealed Watford as the UK’s best place to live and work based on a number of metrics that contribute to overall growth prospects.

"The Hertfordshire town climbed from third position last year to knock Bath off top spot. Having debuted in the Top Ten in 2022, Watford’s steady climb reflects a transformation in its relative standing among the UK’s largest town centres.

"The LSH Vitality Index offers an objective health check on the UK’s largest 100 towns and cities outside of London based on a range of measures including economy, health and environment. Each location was ranked on three pillars: Economy & Business; Living; and Health & Environment.

For more information, visit lsh.co.uk/explore/research-and-views/research/2024/january/vitality-index-2024

SUCCESS STORIES

Discover why companies chose Watford and how our support programmes boosted business success