Crawley Area Guide
“I grow and rejoice.” – Crawley town motto
Since its designation as one of the UK’s original ‘New Towns’ in 1947, Crawley has risen to play a prominent role in making the south east perhaps the most prosperous region of the UK outside of London. Covering 17.36 square miles, and holding a current population of about 100,000, the sheer amount that Crawley has to offer businesses across the board should not be underestimated.
Millions of pounds have been invested in Crawley in recent years, with continuing large scale cash injections further propelling the town as an exciting regional sector for significant business growth.
Crawley’s strategic location at the heart of the Gatwick Diamond, an area famous for its vibrant business community, has made it prime real estate for businesses large and small. A high number of household names have either headquartered themselves in Crawley or made the town a key regional base for their operations.
The town ranks 6th highest in the south east for businesses reporting growth, more than any other town in West Sussex, solidifying Crawley’s reputation as a smart place to headquarter your business.
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Crawley Transport Links
Crawley is ranked 16 out of 408 districts for its overall connectivity score, indicating that it performs in the top 20% of districts nationally on levels of connectivity to intercity rail, motorways and airports.
Its ideal proximity to London Gatwick Airport, the UK’s second busiest business airport, as well as its easy rail and road links to the capital and the south coast, all contribute to Crawley’s popularity with businesses and entrepreneurs.
Three Bridges station, less than five minutes’ walk from the Needspace? Crawley offices, is the main interchange station for the south eastern rail network, with trains arriving and departing for London and in all directions very regularly. From here, it is just half an hour’s journey by rail to London Victoria. Crawley is, therefore, the perfect location from which to base your business, offering superb connections for clients, staff and suppliers.
Crawley is situated right on the junction of the M23, just 10 minutes from the M25, just 28 miles south of London. Brighton, too, is just half an hour away by rail or road, being another major business hub in the south east.
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Business Networking
Given the volume and variety of businesses operating in and around Crawley, it’s little surprise that there is a similarly vibrant scene of networking events and groups. Here are some great websites on which you can find details of upcoming networking events for Crawley businesses:
Places to Eat and Drink
Here are our top five choices, all with very high ratings and TripAdvisor reviews, for where to take your clients for a business lunch or dinner in Crawley:
La Brasserie
La Brasserie holds two Rosettes for its outstanding quality of service and food. The restaurant offers a modern British menu with a French twist, serving a menu flush with locally sourced ingredients. Situated just outside the doors of Gatwick’s North Terminal, La Brasserie is the ideal place to meet clients travelling in or out of the airport in an atmosphere of sophistication and calm.
Sage
Sage is a great location for a light lunch, particularly for vegetarian or vegan diets. The delicious meals on the menu are impressively presented, and even more impressive to taste. A popular spot for those seeking a relaxed atmosphere for a little bite to eat, Sage is set right on the high street in Crawley town centre, just a fifteen minute walk from the Needspace? Crawley offices.
Royal Thai Taste
A very popular Thai restaurant in Crawley, where the food is beautifully presented, tasty, and served with first class service. Royal Thai Taste is perfect for both lunch and evening meals, with an inexpensive lunch menu which does not sacrifice the quality to be expected of their a la carte offering.
Zari
An impressive choice for Indian fine dining, Zari has established itself with a glowing reputation as one of the best places to eat in Crawley. Owners Almara and Sadique have lovingly created an oasis of Indian cuisine where the food is locally sourced, often organic, and always of the highest quality.
Lion D’Or
A more traditional alternative to other restaurants on this list, Lion D’Or is located within the Copthorne Hotel. The very best of British cuisine prepared using the finest ingredients, discreet and unimposing table service, and an ambience of distinction, Lion D’Or is ideally situated for client dinners or long lunches.
Golf Courses in Crawley
Being surrounded by miles and miles of beautiful Green Belt land and stunning Sussex countryside, it’s no surprise that there are countless golf and country clubs in Crawley and the surrounding areas. We’ve selected five of the most stunning courses to impress potential clients and business partners: