Slough Trading Estate

04 Sep 2025

Slough Trading Estate is the largest and oldest continuously operating privately owned trading estate in Europe, located in Slough, Berkshire, in the UK. The estate was opened in 1920 and was one of the first business parks in the UK.

The estate is owned and managed by the UK's largest REIT, SEGRO, and there are many famous companies in the estate, like Mars, Telefonica O2, Ferrari, DHL, Lanes Group, and UCB. SEGRO covers 486 acres and comprises 7,500,000 square feet of principally industrial space across more than 600 buildings.

Under the company’s ownership, the Slough Trading Estate has become a business community and has played a pivotal role in the industrial and economic development of the region.

History and Development of Slough Trading Estate

In June 1918, during the final months of World War I, the British government bought about 600 acres of land to the west of Slough, close to the Great Western Railway main line, which was part of Cippenham Court Farm, and was designated for the establishment of a motor repair depot for army vehicles.

The depot was mainly used to get and repair damaged transport vehicles from the battlefront and return them to service. After the war, the depot was no longer in use.

In July 1918, construction was initiated by Sir Robert McAlpine’s company at the site. Instead of scrapping surplus military vehicles, they were refurbished at the site and sold. The initiative led to the site being known as “the dump.” It was also known as “The White Elephant” due to its perceived lack of direct utility.
In April 1920, significant differences arose between the workforce and management. The Government Surplus Disposal Board sold the site, along with its contents, which included 17,000 used cars, trucks, and motorcycles, as well as 1.8 million square feet of covered workshops, for over seven million pounds.
A group of investors, led by Sir Percival Perry and Sir Noel Mobbs, acquired the depot and established the Slough Trading Company Limited.
In 1925, the Slough Trading Company Act was established, which contributed to the transformation of the site into an industrial estate. In 1926, the company changed its name to Slough Estates Ltd. It began renting existing army buildings as factory spaces while also building new units for new businesses.
The buildings along Bath Road and Farnham Road featured uniform Art Deco office fronts, reflecting the architectural style of the era. Shared facilities were established for both the workforce and employers, including shops, a fire station, a restaurant, banks, a large community centre (which was opened in 1937), and the Slough Industrial Health Service (initiated in 1947).
Many prominent names can be seen in the Slough businesses list that established their offices at the site, such as Citroën, Gillette, Johnson & Johnson, and High Duty Alloys.
In 1932, Mars Ltd and Berlei (UK) Limited joined the tenants’ lists. By late 1933, the Slough Estates Journal reported that more than 150 companies were operating on the estate.
With the growing expansion of the trading estate, many workers migrated from other regions, leading to a housing shortage. To address this issue, many single-story wooden houses were constructed, known as “Timbertown,” and located close to the site occupied by a community centre and a school.
Though the wooden houses were made as temporary accommodation, they had three bedrooms, a large kitchen, a living room and a bathroom. In the 1930s, the houses deteriorated and were demolished.
During World War II, the manufacturing capabilities and infrastructure of the Slough Trading Estate were utilised to produce essential goods and services for the military. The estate’s strategic location and well-established transport links facilitated the efficient distribution of wartime supplies.

In the post-war era, the estate developed new facilities, attracting industries and businesses, where Gerry Anderson’s AP Films made a series of successful puppet television series for ATV. In 1963, Ford set up Ford Advanced Vehicles on the estate to build the Ford GT40 racing sports car, with design input from Eric Broadley of Lola Cars.

The Slough industrial estate maintained a railway connection that linked the factories directly to Britain’s railway system. A passenger service operated from Paddington and Slough stations to a separate station on the estate until 1956, and freight services continued until 1973.

In January 2008, the estate’s power station was sold to Scottish and Southern Energy.

Why Slough Trading Estate Is a Business Powerhouse?

SEGRO began as Slough Trading Estates, a hundred years ago, amid controversy. The company benefited from the government trying to offload one of its most disastrous projects during the Great War.

The estate that replaced the government’s depot grew into one of the most successful enterprises in Europe and served as a profitable model for trading estates globally, with the company acquiring properties in America, Australia, and Canada.

The Slough Trading Estate evolved and adapted to the changing industrial landscape. SEGRO created new spaces by redeveloping more than 107,000 square feet of warehouse space.

Many smaller options have been designed for smaller companies, and there are some larger spaces up to 45,000 square feet for larger companies.

SEGRO owners have been working to evolve the area to meet the modern business requirements. It is home to hundreds of companies, including confectionery giant Mars, telecoms firm O2, and logistics company DHL. Its owners, SEGRO, claim it is the largest business park in Europe owned by a single company.

Slough prides itself on supplying environmentally-friendly electricity through a power station made from woodchip and biomass. It offers improved energy-saving measures, including sustainable transportation options. About twenty per cent of car parking spaces in the area have an electric charging point, along with spaces created for charging electric bikes.

The Slough Trading Estate also benefited from having its own reservoir, which is supplied by the site’s water wells. While it dates back more than a century, many new warehouse units have been constructed that are less than 10 years old.

Top Companies Located in Slough Trading Estate

Slough has been designated Britain’s second start-up capital after London. It hosts several prominent companies, including O2, Mars, Hytera, SEGRO, and Ferrari. There are a myriad of smaller companies in the city, which is home to one of England’s oldest and largest trading estates, the Slough Trading Estate.

Slough Trading Estate has been home to more than 300 businesses employing around 10,000 people. One can find many famous brands in the estate region, including those from the technology, pharmaceutical, and automotive industries, such as McAfee, Fiat, GlaxoSmithKline, and Honda.

Some of the top companies located in Slough Trading Estate are mentioned here –

Mars - Mars is a global corporation that produces confectionery, pet food, and other food products. Its brands include M&M's, Snickers, and Pedigree. At the same time, Allied Protek Engineering Solutions has been delivering a new production line for Mars.
Ferrari – it is one of the most successful legendary British racing cars, was born on a trading estate in Slough.
DHL – It provides a range of domestic and international mailing services, supply chain management assistance, freight transport, and e-commerce logistics solutions.
Oshkosh AeroTech- It is a ground support manufacturer and service provider to the aviation industry.
Lanes Group – Lanes Group provides utilities and infrastructure solutions.
UCB - UCB is a famous global biopharmaceutical company.
Seahorse Amphibious Vehicles – It is the manufacturer of amphibious automobiles used in tourist duck tours in Windsor and Liverpool, with exports to global markets.
Eurocell – It is a leading national distributor of building plastics and construction materials.
Clifton Trade Bathrooms - It is a supplier of high-quality bathroom materials.
JMCK Builders Limited- It is a manufacturer of bespoke high-end furniture, using the space as a dedicated workshop for furniture and joinery production.

Commercial Property Opportunities at Slough Trading Estate

Slough is undergoing a massive regeneration programme led by Slough Urban Renewal (SUR). There are many Commercial Property Opportunities at Slough Trading Estate because investments have been made into the regeneration and growth of the estate.

A variety of companies have chosen to establish or expand their operations at Slough Trading Estate, and it reflects the strength and adaptability of the trading estate’s offer, the quality of the spaces available and the amenities on your doorstep.

For instance, the startup iBookBinding established a new workshop at the Enterprise Quarter. The startup specialises in 3D printing and book binding, using the new space to store and manufacture bookbinding tools.

Many new businesses are operating in the estate area, including Divine Premier UK Limited – a wholesaler of health and beauty products; Orbis Protect – a property security systems company; and Astrophysics Inc – a USA-headquartered x-ray security company that is expanding to the UK.

Many new firms have established their new workshop or units at the estate. For instance, Golden Group Services is a cleaning and linen hire company that has also moved into the Enterprise Quarter. The company, based in Central London, is expanding its operations by taking on a second space in Slough to store and distribute its products, thereby increasing its services to a wider market.

SEGRO is purposefully designing units in varying sizes, ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 ft² for smaller and growing enterprises, to larger units in the range of 32,000 to 45,000 ft² to accommodate larger operations.

One can contact the specialist agents listed on property websites to explore various types of commercial property opportunities or visit the estate management company's website, SEGRO, to find more information.

Logistics and Transport Links in and Around the Estate

SEGRO’s portfolio amasses 10.8 million sqm of logistics space at several sites in and around major cities and transport hubs in the UK. Cushman & Wakefield was the previous agent at SEGRO, which reviewed and re-tendered the work undertaken by suppliers and agents. It was a part of normal business practice.

In addition to its position in the UK and European logistics, SEGRO offers two leases at the park: the Enterprise Lease for units in its Enterprise Quarter, with flexible terms. The lease runs for three years, but occupiers have the option to move out at any time after 12 months, usually on three months' notice. The rent includes insurance, external repairs and the estate service charges. The Standard Lease gives a choice of terms between five and 25 years.

In the largest single industrial letting at Slough Trading Estate, SEGRO signed a lease with Rhodes Freight Services after a phase of renovation to adapt the space to cold chain requirements—the logistics provider provides solutions for vegetables, pharmaceuticals, fruits and fresh flowers.
Slough is one of the UK’s best commuter towns with unrivalled transport connectivity and the benefit of Crossrail. Slough Trading Estate is situated in an industrial location, and its industrial demand profile has been evolving, which has an impact on the supply pipeline.
Located at Junctions 6, 7 & 8-9 of the M4, Slough is located with ease of access to West London and the Home Counties, which makes it a successful industrial location in the Thames Valley. Slough has become a data centre hot spot, which is proving to be a huge success story for the town.
The Slough Trading Estate is a key hub of employment and economic activity, being west of London and near to Heathrow, the UK’s largest airport. The Slough Trading Estate is well-served by transport links, with its core access routes being the Elizabeth Line and Great Western Railway (GWR) trains to London and Burnham, with numerous bus services including Thames Valley Buses and First Berkshire, and major roads like the A4.
A significant enhancement to connectivity is the Elizabeth Line (Crossrail), which provides direct and reduced-time journeys to Heathrow Airport and London.
The nearest train station to Slough Trading Estate is Burnham. It’s a 16-minute walk away.

Slough’s location is ideal for commuters because it is just 20 minutes from Heathrow Airport and London, within proximity to the M4, M25 and M40 motorways. With the new Crossrail, journey times will be slashed even further.

Slough Trading Estate’s Role in the UK Economy

The Slough Trading Estate has undergone major developments and attracted multiple internationally recognised companies. In 2018, the plant underwent partial demolition and was replaced by the Slough Multifuel facility.

Slough's productivity levels are the third highest in the UK, and its weekly salaries are higher than in the majority of locations across the UK. With plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport, the location is expected to get an inflow of new residents looking to live close to work.

The industrial growth has significantly contributed to the town’s economic development and demographic diversity, and it continues to play a crucial role in the city's economic success by attracting and retaining investment, funding local services through business rates, supporting business growth, and creating jobs for local people. It is home to 350 businesses, which employ over 15,000 people and generate over £49 million annually in business rates.

Green Initiatives and Sustainability at the Estate

The IEA reports that hyperscale data centres in Slough have led to a substantial increase in global energy demand. It has driven data centre operators in Slough to support renewable energy sources, energy-efficient equipment, and advanced cooling technologies, thereby reducing their carbon footprint.

SEGRO is expected to build industrial units that are expected to provide highly sustainable space for many different types of businesses at Slough Trading Estate. It has excellent ratings and will demonstrate the company’s commitment to Responsible Growth, championing low-carbon growth.

It boasts excellent sustainability features, including source heat pumps, EV charging points in 20% of parking spaces at Day One, smart building sensors and controls, and over 2,000 m² of PV panels, which generate energy savings of over 350,000kWh per year and annual CO₂ savings of over 42,000kg.

All units offer showers, and the development benefits from ample secure bike storage, including electric bike chargers, which encourage customers and employees to cycle to work.

SEGRO intends to reduce its carbon footprint by purchasing steel produced using an electric arc furnace, as it generates less carbon and utilises concrete containing recycled aggregates.

Tech and Innovation Hubs within Slough Trading Estate

Recent studies have found that the leading tech hubs in the UK emphasise locations that combine better salaries with affordable living conditions for technology professionals. According to the surveys, Harlow, Slough, and Bracknell top the list, and Slough surpasses London in some categories of salary benchmarks. These towns have modern tech ecosystems, dedicated innovation hubs, and a lower cost of living compared to London.

Slough Trading Estate is considered to be the largest data centre hub in Europe. Data centres are storage facilities for phone or computer data, and they include the Cloud, social media, websites, pictures, music, and other types of data.

How to Start a Business in Slough Trading Estate?

To start a business at the Slough Trading Estate, contact SEGRO, the estate's owner, and the department responsible for handling the leasing options. Inquire about available properties and try to find out about the flexible leasing options. You must fulfil general UK business requirements, such as registering with HMRC, getting business insurance, and ensuring compliance with local and national regulations for the specific business type.

Companies located on the Slough Trading Estate can take advantage of a range of offers, which include making occupying premises simpler and more cost-effective.

Since SEGRO is privately owned, you need to engage with their on-site Leasing Team to discuss your needs for a suitable unit.

There are flexible leasing options available, where you can opt for an Enterprise Lease for units in the Enterprise Quarter. These options can be modified or adjusted to meet the requirements of customers. Further, you must ensure the business has the required license or permits from the Slough Borough Council.

Future developments and Investment in Slough Trading Estate

SEGRO has secured over 60,000 sq ft of new lettings at Slough Trading Estate, attracting a diverse group of dynamic businesses across logistics, engineering, manufacturing, and construction.

The land values have surpassed expectations at £3 million per acre, with developers like Panattoni finding themselves in competition with residential developers to buy sites like the former AkzoNobel manufacturing site north of the town.

The 30-acre site will be developed out as a mixed-use industrial and residential development, creating competition for Slough Trading Estate. However, industrial supply is still expected to remain tight for the future.

Given where rents are and where they are likely to reach, it is not inconceivable that we see secondary out-of-town offices redeveloped for industrial or data centre stock.

Is Slough the Biggest Trading Estate?

It has become one of the largest privately owned business parks in Europe and is home to the second largest concentration of data centres in the world.

Owned by Segro, a longstanding client of Vail Williams, Slough Trading Estate has developed a reputation as a world-class location for business and has recently celebrated its 100th anniversary.

How Has Its Success Impacted Rental Tone and Land Values?

As ever, with success always comes the potential for challenges, and this can be said for the ‘traditional’ Slough businesses. Data centres are now competing with traditional industrial land supply, which is impacting industrial stock supply, rental rates, and land values.
Rents have hit a record new high in Slough in recent months, and we anticipate they will continue to increase and break the £20.00 psf threshold in the next 12-24 months.

Meanwhile, land values have also surpassed expectations at £3 million per acre, with developers like Panattoni finding themselves in competition with residential developers to buy sites like the former AkzoNobel manufacturing site north of the town.

Given the current state of rents and their likely future trajectory, it is not inconceivable that we could see secondary out-of-town offices redeveloped for industrial/data centre stock, as we have seen with the Hewlett Packard site in nearby Bracknell, given its ability to compete in the market.

What Does the Future Hold?

Over the years, Slough Industrial Estate’s offering has matured from a demand for low-eaves post-war manufacturing units to becoming a mid-to-large box industrial location that meets occupier needs. But this demand profile is evolving again.

Slough industrial estate has been an integral part of the Thames Valley’s industrial property market, and jointly with the town’s thrilling regeneration plans, the town is well placed to continue to excel. However, the industrial market is changing.

Occupiers must change to evolve, and developers need to continue to deliver a good balance of industrial stock across a range of sizes and specifications to ensure that Slough retains its crown as the region’s industrial stalwart, well into the future.

What Is the Largest Trading Estate in the UK?

SEGRO, also known as the Slough Trading Estate, is the UK and Europe's largest trading estate in single ownership, which appointed Gerald Eve, Avison Young and JLL.

What Is the History of The Britwell Estate in Slough?

The Britwell estate in Slough was established to provide homes for 11,000 Londoners who lost their homes during the Second World War. The Britwell Estate was owned by the London Country Council when the local authority was the Eton Rural District Council.

London County Council became part of the Greater London Council (GLC), and the authority was abolished in 1986, while the social housing was transferred to Slough Borough Council.

The name Britwell derives from beorhtan wiellan, Old English for ‘bright well’ or ‘clear well’, because the slums of West London were removed and residents were forced to move into new council estates in areas like Slough.