The town of Staines once belonged to the county of Middlesex, but after the introduction of the London Government Act in 1963, it became part of Surrey. On 20th May 2012, its name was officially changed to Staines-upon-Thames in a local government effort to boost the local economy. Despite not being amalgamated into the Greater London district, it still lies within easy reach of the M25, and is just 17 miles from Charing Cross.
In the 1800s, the district became famous for producing linoleum, although its main factory was closed around 1970. These days, its close proximity to Heathrow Airport and London has attracted a number of large businesses, including Logica (IT and telecommunications consultants), Bupa (health care), Siemens, Samsung Electronics Research Institute, NDS, and JP Kenny (Oil and Gas.)
The average salary for staff in full-time employment is around £38,227, and many of towns residents are employed by the public sector, with regular job vacancies being advertised at Spelthorne Borough Council through recruitment agencies. Due to the proximity of Heathrow Airport, the town also employs a large number of people in transport and distribution-based industries.
The area benefits from a high economic activity rate with low unemployment, making it an attractive location for new business as well as job-seekers.
