Normandy-based industries, SMEs, major groups, living heritage companies (EPVs in French) and start-ups are all onto something; they recognise the region’s undeniable potential when it comes to successful economic development. Thanks to its proximity to Paris, which helps avoid any logistical issues, and its status as France’s leading regional seaboard, Normandy is accessible both nationally and internationally. If you are a new business or investor, why not do business in an exciting, forward-thinking and international region?
A strategic location
Nestled between London and Paris, right on northern Europe’s doorstep as well as on the most frequented maritime route in the world, Normandy is a convenient location for businesses to set up and reach a potential market of 20 million consumers. The Normandy economy is influenced by maritime trade from the Channel and the North Sea, which passes through the major ports of Le Havre and Rouen, as well as a number of secondary ports (Caen/Ouistreham, Cherbourg, Dieppe, Fécamp, Honfleur, Granville and Le Tréport).
Normandy is home to a flourishing logistics industry with its fantastic transport network of road, rail, waterways, ports and airports. It is also the second biggest region in France for cross-Channel transport.
Industries of excellence
Normandy is home to several innovative economic sectors and supported by a business network, making it a major industrial region in France with renowned business clusters including Pôle TES, Hippolia, Valorial and Cosmetic Valley.
An exciting ecocystem
The region also has a wealth of logistical resources with fully fitted warehouses available to rent or buy, companies that provide logistical and related services, plus specialist technology platforms where you can trial innovations and develop new products.
Normandy is home to iconic companies and brands alongside major industrial groups. Its history, specific expertise and location mean the region can showcase its outstanding achievements across its many networks and industries of excellence, whether in the automotive, luxury, food, chemical, aerospace, petrochemical, energy or pharmaceutical fields… take your pick!
This network of high-level skills means Normandy regularly appears in the top 10 in the business world; that is, when it isn’t the French number 1 in the equine and food sectors or world number 1 in luxury bottling and flax production.
The region’s energy also comes from the focus on research and development alongside digital and innovative technology, as illustrated by car parts manufacturer Faurecia or Schneider Electric’s site, accredited as ‘industries of the future’.
Do you believe data is the future? Artificial intelligence takes pride of place here too, with researchers and start-ups joining forces to boost businesses’ digital potential and productivity. An exceptional economic and scientific hub, Normandy also plays host to six business clusters.
Tailor-made services
The region’s AD Normandie agency helps businesses launch in Normandy. AD Normandie’s dedicated team supports businesses on a daily basis, paving the way into the local market for them!
First businesses receive a welcome kit to introduce them to the corporate environment in Normandy and the different steps involved in setting up their business. Since each project is unique, the team organises one-on-one meetings for companies with hand-picked prospective partners and service providers.
Once you’ve been won over by Normandy’s potential, AD Normandie helps businesses as they go through all the formalities, both professional and personal. Key contacts are passed onto companies so they can arrange meetings and expand their network.
Once businesses have broken into the French market, AD Normandie and its partners at the France Export Team in Normandy will help them grow and provide export advice so they can take their company worldwide.
Normandy is renowned for its expertise, full of emerging talents and provides advanced and effective training. AD Normandie’s dedicated recruitment service provides businesses with the best advice for building their teams.
Last but not least, the French government asked AD Normandie and its local partners to identify around 20 ‘turnkey industrial sites’ that are particularly appealing to French and foreign investors. Any red tape pertaining to the likes of urban planning, the environment and preventive archaeology have been fast-tracked to speed up the administration process. AD Normandie can also provide support with any bespoke industrial projects businesses might have, by sourcing suitable real estate at the best rates.
Are you looking for somewhere to launch and develop your project? Normandy has a range of different business incubators devoted to innovation, mobility, solidarity economy, maritime, medical and digital sectors. Whether you need accommodation, personalised support, VIP access to funding, training opportunities or business introductions, our incubators are the best place to develop your business!
Financial support
Financial support is always welcome; AD Normandie leads the way in business development and helps companies in Normandy navigate the subsidies and funding provided by the Region.
The Investment Team at AD Normandie helps foreign businesses to set up in Normandy, create jobs and invest in tangible and intangible assets based on a range of business development plans.
Financial support forms part of a 3-year programme where at least 150,000 € goes towards business set-up and development, tangible assets (excluding real estate) and intangible assets like software (if they supplement tangible assets). AD Normandie also provides support with innovative and environmental projects. Companies can receive assistance creating jobs and covering salaries for new permanent positions for two years when they create at least five new positions.
Investment funding is also an option with NORMANDIE PARTICIPATIONS, a 100 million € co-investment fund that’s part of AD Normandie. From start to finish, Normandie Participations uses innovation and development to work with businesses old and new in every industry across Normandy. It also supports start-ups selected as part of the Fast Forward Normandie programme, a business accelerator that combines funding with tailored, in-depth support.
All of these companies chose Normandy… will you?
Danone, Ferrero, Segafredo Zanetti, Nestlé, GlaxoSmithKline, Royal Canin, Nicherei, Maersk, Hyundai, China Shipping, Bosch, Exxonmobil, Presto Engineering, CH Robinson, Cargill, Magnetti Marelli, NXP, Siemens, Areva and Murata.
They invest in Normandy
Eastman: a unique molecular recycling facility in Normandy
