Southern comfort

London and the south-east is perhaps better known as the government, transport and financial hub of the UK than for technology and innovation. But pockets of industries cluster around certain areas, supported by world-leading research and inspired investment.

ICT and other hi-tech companies line the M4 and M3 corridors. Berkshire houses the headquarters of several international car manufacturers, including

and

, and

makes the Mini in Cowley, Oxfordshire.

Many international engineering firms have their corporate headquarters in London and the home counties. Surrey is home to F1's

and

chemicals division, while facilities such as Farnborough Airfield and the Sandhurst military academy makes Hampshire ideal for military technology developers, including

and

.

What the region lacks in space, it makes up for in its concentration of innovators, a point exploited by technology transfer, company incubation and investment spin-out

. Jon Page, director of new ventures, said: 'Imperial College draws the best scientists in the world. London brings together all the components for unique technology businesses — talent, technology insight, transport, communication, facilities and financial infrastructure. The south-east also has a growing presence of successful entrepreneurs.'