The Knight Frank Guide to Cambridge for Businesses

As one of the UK’s most prestigious and innovative cities, Cambridge is a thriving business hub with a strong economy, world-renowned academic institutions, and a dynamic science technology and innovation sector. 

Combining historic charm with cutting-edge research and development, Cambridge is an attractive destination for businesses looking to establish themselves in a globally connected and highly skilled environment.

Cambridge’s economy has experienced significant growth over the past two decades, cementing its status as a global centre for science, technology, and education. The city is home to a diverse range of industries, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, quantum, cleantech, energy materials and financial services. 

Cambridge’s rapid expansion has been supported by major investment in infrastructure, business parks, and innovation clusters, ensuring continued economic success and attracting world-leading companies and start-ups alike.

Getting there

Cambridge’s excellent transport connections make it an accessible and well-connected city for businesses operating across the UK and beyond. Cambridge Station provides:

• Direct train services to London King’s Cross in under an hour via Great Northern and Thameslink and London Liverpool Street via Greater Anglia
• Frequent connections to Stansted Airport, Norwich, and Birmingham, offering strong regional business links

For international travel, London Stansted Airport is just 30 minutes away by train, providing direct flights to key European and global destinations. London Heathrow and London Gatwick are also within easy reach.

The M11 motorway links Cambridge to London and the M25, while the A14 provides access to the Midlands, East Anglia and key logistics hubs, notably Felixstowe, the largest container port in the UK.

Within the city, an extensive bus network, dedicated cycling infrastructure, and sustainable transport initiatives make commuting efficient and environmentally friendly.

Meet the Neighbours

Cambridge offers a range of business districts suited to various industries and corporate needs with a wave of new development providing world class facilities and accommodation. Significant science and tech parks include the following destinations:

• Cambridge Science Park: A world-renowned hub for research and innovation, home to cutting-edge technology and biotech companies
• CB1 Business District: The city’s corporate heart near Cambridge Station, featuring modern office spaces occupied by some of the world’s tech giants such as Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Samsung
• St John’s Innovation Park: A key centre for high-growth businesses, fostering development in science, engineering, and technology and the longest established Innovation Centre in the UK.
• Granta Park & Babraham Research Campus: Dedicated to life sciences and pharmaceutical research, hosting industry leaders and pioneering start-ups
• Cambridge Biomedical Campus: Adjacent to Addenbrookes Hospital and home Astrazeneca and its new Discovery Centre, Royal Papworth Hospital, the Heart and Lung Institute and the Medical Research Council’s Laboratory of Molecular Biology, from where 12 scientists have won Nobel prizes and dozens of Royal Society awards

On your doorstep

Cambridge boasts a diverse dining and hospitality scene, with excellent options for business meetings, client entertainment, and post-work networking.

For high-end dining, Midsummer House, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, offers an exceptional gastronomic experience, while Restaurant 22 provides refined modern British cuisine. Trinity is another standout, known for its locally sourced seafood and elegant atmosphere.

Casual dining options include The Cambridge Chop House for classic British fare, Aromi for authentic Sicilian cuisine, and Fitzbillies, famous for its historic café and Chelsea buns. Bould Brothers Coffee and Hot Numbers Coffee are popular spots for coffee meetings and informal work sessions.

For after-work drinks, The Eagle, one of Cambridge’s most famous pubs, has historical links to the discovery of DNA. Pint Shop offers craft beers and specialty gins, while The Cambridge Gin Laboratory provides a quirky experience for gin lovers. The Mill and The Anchor overlooks Mill Pond on the River Cam – a starting point for many punting trips and a magnet for people in the warmer months. The Varsity Hotel’s Roof Terrace is ideal for business networking with panoramic city views.

Retail in Cambridge is centred around Grand Arcade, featuring high-end brands, and Market Square, home to independent traders and boutique shopping. The city’s historic passages, such as Rose Crescent, offer a mix of specialist stores and artisan shops.

Places of interest

Cambridge’s rich history, stunning architecture, and green spaces create an inspiring setting for businesses and professionals.

At the heart of the city, King’s College Chapel is an iconic landmark, offering breathtaking Gothic architecture. The famous Cambridge University colleges, including Trinity, St John’s, and Queens’, provide a unique sense of heritage and academia. The Fitzwilliam Museum houses an impressive collection of art and antiquities, while The Cambridge University Botanic Garden offers a tranquil retreat for lunchtime walks.

For outdoor activities, punting along the River Cam is a quintessential Cambridge experience, providing scenic views of the historic colleges. Jesus Green and Parker’s Piece offer open green spaces for relaxation and informal meetings.

Find your base in Cambridge

At Knight Frank, we know how important it is that you find office space that’s within budget and is conveniently located but that also makes you and your team happy. With our expertise and extensive knowledge of the Cambridge office space and commercial rental market, we’re perfectly placed to empower your search.

Take a look at our offices to rent in Cambridge or get in touch for help finding the perfect office space for your business.

“Cambridge is one of the strongest regional markets in the UK, driven by growth in science and technology and the University of Cambridge, a global top three university and leading research centre. Our local office enables Knight Frank to gain technical understanding or occupier needs as well as an extensive local network, and linked to our research capability we are perfectly placed to ensure our clients receive the best advice.”