North Northamptonshire Council launches business readiness survey ahead of Universal Studios UK opening

North Northamptonshire businesses are being invited to share their views through a survey designed to help maximise the opportunities arising from the arrival of Universal Studios in the UK.

The resort is anticipated to open in 2031 and is expected to attract millions of visitors yearly, creating significant opportunities across the visitor economy, hospitality, retail, construction, professional services and wider supply chains.

Now, North Northamptonshire Council, working with consultants Volterra, has launched a business readiness survey to understand local businesses’ current capabilities, opportunities and support needs.

Businesses of all sizes are being encouraged to take part in the survey.

Information gathered will help shape future business support programmes, skills development, networking opportunities and investment initiatives to ensure that local businesses are well placed to take advantage of the opportunities Universal Studios will bring.

Cllr Jan O’Hara, the council’s executive member for planning and economic growth, said: “The Universal UK Resort has the potential to deliver significant economic benefits for businesses across North Northamptonshire.

“With this in mind, we want to ensure local businesses are in the strongest possible position to take advantage of the new opportunities.

“The first stage of this is to understand the support businesses may need now and in the coming years via this survey. This feedback will help us work on the next stages, ensuring our local economy benefits from this major development.”

Council leader Cllr Martin Griffiths said: “Universal is a hugely exciting development with the potential to give our local economy a lasting boost. Its arrival will bring millions of visitors to the region and create opportunities for new jobs, investment and business growth well beyond the resort itself.

“For North Northamptonshire, that could mean more people staying in our area, eating in our restaurants, visiting our attractions and spending with local businesses, alongside opportunities to supply goods and services during construction and once the resort opens. We want to make the most of this opportunity so that our businesses and communities share in the benefits for years to come."

Businesses can complete the survey online and the survey closes on November 30, 2026.