The manufacturing sector also plays a big role in the economy of Canterbury. Most of the companies in the sector are located within the city's twelve business parks, including John and Joseph Wilson Business Parks and St Augustine's Business Park. Newer industries such as design and digital arts are also seeing great growth in the city, and the new high-speed rail link means easier access to London and Europe as a whole.

Unemployment in the city is low, and its economy is the strongest out of the whole region. In comparison to other cities nearby, Canterbury has a high number of highly-qualified residents, and is also on par with the national average for stock of businesses.