Tag: Social

CEME generates £139m economic impact and £23.5m social value

A montage of images, one being a road winding through a dense forest, and the other being corporate business people smiling at the report on a laptop.

CEME has published a new Economic and Social Impact Assessment, demonstrating its growing role as a major driver of inclusive growth, innovation and skills development across Outer East London and the Thames Estuary.

Mickledore logo

The report reveals that CEME’s ecosystem of businesses and partners supports more than 2,600 jobs and generates £139.4 million in annual economic value, underlining its position as a key socio-economic anchor institution in the region.

Alongside this economic contribution, the report highlights a total £23.57 million in social value generated in 2025, with a strong social return on investment (SROI) of 3.54:1 – meaning that every £1 invested delivers significant additional value for local communities and the wider economy.

Prepared by independent economists Mickledore, the assessment draws on detailed tenant survey data and robust modelling aligned with HM Treasury Green Book principles, providing funders, partners and policymakers with a clear and credible picture of CEME’s impact.

The report marks a significant milestone in CEME’s evolution, from a traditional business park into a dynamic innovation ecosystem supporting entrepreneurs, SMEs, educators and strategic partners across high-growth sectors.

Today, CEME is increasingly focused on green technology, inclusive innovation and the industries shaping the UK’s future economy, including advanced manufacturing, clean energy and emerging technologies.

CEME CEO Noorzaman Rashid said: “Over time, CEME has evolved from a traditional business park into a dynamic innovation ecosystem – one defined not only by the quality of its facilities, but by its ability to convene, connect and enable others. As this report demonstrates, our ecosystem supports more than 2,600 jobs and generates £139.4 million in annual economic value, underlining our role as a significant driver of sub-regional growth.

“CEME is no longer simply a place where businesses are based. It is a high-performing socio-economic platform, connecting enterprise, skills, innovation and community to deliver measurable outcomes.”

Celebrating local excellence at the Havering Small Business Awards!

A group picture of the evening's winners.

CEME was proud to be a sponsor at this year’s Havering Small Business Awards, recognising and celebrating the incredible businesses and community organisations who are making a difference.

CEME CEO Noorzaman Rashid had the honour of presenting two awards on the night:

CEME's Noorzaman Rashid presents Quantum Group's Maria Gonella with their award.

Best Sustainable Business: awarded to Quantum Group for its commitment to driving sustainable innovation.

Noorzaman presents Thames Chase Community Trust with their award.

Best Social Enterprise: awarded to the Thames Chase Trust Community Forest for their inspiring work in protecting green spaces and engaging the community.

The fourth annual Havering Small Business Awards, run by Havering Council, was held on Wednesday 24 September 2025 at Lumiere Romford, Mercury Mall, Romford, and was hosted by Mark Dover from Nation Radio London.

Congratulations to all the winners and finalists!

At CEME, we’re passionate about supporting enterprise, innovation and community impact. It was inspiring to see so many local organisations leading the way.