Lille Métropole is establishing itself as an attractive location for entrepreneurs: a strategic hub at the heart of Europe, with a vibrant and diverse economic ecosystem, and personalised support from the Invest team at Hello Lille.
22: This is the number of businesses supported by the Lille Metropolitan Area Attractiveness Agency ( Hello Lille ) as part of their establishment in Lille Métropole in 2025
Results?
801 jobs will be created over the next three years,
Nearly 60 per cent of these new businesses are linked to the region’s centres of excellence: Eurasanté, EuraTechnologies, Euralimentaire, EuraCreative (Plaine Images) and EuraMaterials,
With more than half of the projects led by international companies, Lille Métropole is once again demonstrating its international influence and appeal.
Planning to set up a business in the region? Our Invest team will be delighted to assist you with:
Softing Industrial Automation is taking another step forward and continuing its expansion in the Lille Metropolitan Area!
Specialising in connectivity and communication solutions for Industry 4.0, the German company Softing Industrial Automation is strengthening its presence within the Lille European Metropolis (MEL)!
Already established in Wasquehal, its French subsidiary, Softing SARL, is taking a new step in its development by doubling the size of its office space.
At the crossroads of major European transport routes, Lille Métropole offers Softing an environment conducive to its growth:
Hello Lille ’s teams are mobilising their network of partners to facilitate the company’s relocation and recruitment processes, notably via Anywr, APEC and Proch’Emploi.
SMASH Group is setting up shop in Lille Métropole!
Following on from Paris, Lyon and Marseille, SMASH Group is continuing its expansion and opening an office in the Hauts-de-France region. What does it do? It supports the leaders of SMEs and mid-market companies by providing them with access, at just the right time, to expertise in finance, human resources and legal matters.
A straightforward approach: providing the right expertise, at the right level, at the right time, to support businesses that are growing, undergoing transformation or reaching a key milestone in their development.
And for this new location, Lille Métropole quickly emerged as the obvious choice!
“The Hauts-de-France region boasts an exceptional entrepreneurial fabric: family-run businesses, ambitious SMEs and mid-market companies, approachable business leaders and a particularly rich ecosystem. The aim is not simply to have an office in Lille Métropole: we want to build a local team, establish a lasting presence within this ecosystem and become a local partner to business leaders in the region.”
Matthieu Lohez, Associate Director, SMASH Hauts-de-France
Why Lille Métropole?
A direct, pragmatic and collaborative entrepreneurial culture
To bring this new establishment to fruition, SMASH Group was supported by the ‘ Hello Lille ’ regional development agency and Nord France Invest, notably through a presentation of the region’s economic and entrepreneurial ecosystem and by facilitating connections with local stakeholders.
Welcome to ZettaByte, which is setting up in Lille Métropole! 🌟
Founded in Singapore in 2016, Zettabyte has now established itself as an innovative player in the digital transformation of higher education, with its ERP solutions that simplify and digitise administrative and teaching processes.
Given its growth in the French market, opening a European headquarters quickly became a strategic priority.
And it was Lille Métropole that really caught the executives’ eye.
“It only took one visit for us to decide that Lille would be the best choice. We discovered a welcoming region, with a real entrepreneurial spirit and a genuine desire to help businesses grow.” 💬 Chris Mugnier, founder of ZettaByte.
What are its other strengths?
Its location at the crossroads of Paris, the Benelux countries and the major European markets, its pool of talent, and the quality of its digital ecosystem, driven in particular by the centre of excellence EuraTechnologies, a hub for start-ups and innovation.
Zettabyte has been able to rely on the support of several key local stakeholders, including the regional development agency Hello Lille, which facilitated connections with:
The result: The facility will be up and running by early July, and 25 jobs will be created over the next three years to strengthen the team.
And that’s just the start.
The company is already preparing to launch ZettaCamp, an intensive bootcamp dedicated to coding and artificial intelligence.
The aim? To rapidly train the talent of tomorrow, support career transitions driven by the AI revolution, and strengthen the region’s skills base.
This is a fine illustration of the international appeal of the Lille European Metropolis (MEL) and its ability to attract innovative companies that make long-term investments in jobs, talent and the future.
Niboo chooses Lille Métropole to accelerate its growth!
A technology company specialising in digital support for businesses and a long-standing Gold Partner of Odoo, Niboo is continuing its growth with the opening of a new office in the Lille European Metropolis (MEL).
Already established in Brussels and Martinique, the company has made the strategic decision to move closer to its clients in mainland France and to establish a foothold at the heart of a dynamic and innovative region. 💡
In practical terms, Niboo supports businesses in their digital transformation through:
5 key reasons to choose Lille Métropole
As part of this expansion, Niboo has benefited from the support of the ‘ Hello Lille ’ business development agency, particularly in facilitating connections with key local stakeholders such as French Tech Lille, as well as with HR partners such as APEC – Association Pour l’Emploi des Cadres and Proch’Emploi.
A warm welcome to Niboo in the region – we wish them every success in this new venture!
Success story: New branch in the Lille metropolitan area!
Hello Lille ’s Economic Development Agency is proud to support Isla Gourmet’s establishment in Comines, which will kick off its expansion with a new production plant from the first quarter of 2026.
Specialising in halal charcuterie and processed products, the company has a bold ambition: to establish itself as a leading player in the sector, building on the Hauts-de-France region’s model of sustainable and responsible growth.
Why set up business in the Lille European Metropolis?
An obvious choice, underpinned by shared values: a spirit of commitment, hard work and solidarity, as well as innovation, quality and responsibility. Another advantage is its strategic location: close to major motorways and the ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam, it offers the company efficient logistics and a natural gateway to international markets.
From site selection to administrative procedures, including integration into the local economy and the identification of talent, this project has been made possible thanks to the support ofHello Lille and its partners: MEL Éco, Nord France Invest, Euralimentaire, France Travail Halluin, APEC (Association for the Employment of Executives) and Plateforme Proch’Emploi Lille Métropole Pévèle.
A fine example of the region’s industrial dynamism, with a tangible impact on local employment: 50 new jobs from the outset and a target of 90 new jobs created within three years
Skello has chosen Lille Métropole to expand its business and strengthen its presence on the ground… and across Europe!
The French scale-up, which specialises in HR solutions for operational teams, has opened its new office at Hiptown Lille!
Following on from Paris and Barcelona, this new location marks a strategic and ambitious step in the company’s international growth.
Why Lille Métropole? It’s obvious: a strong existing presence, with 2,000 clients in the Hauts-de-France region, (La Chicorée, Les Merveilleux de Fred, Le Couvent des Minimes…), a fantastic pool of talent, an ideal location from which to expand internationally – particularly into Belgium and Luxembourg – and seamless links with Paris to strengthen internal synergies.
“Lille is a strategic hub: it’s a place where you’ll find talent, drive and a responsive ecosystem. This is where we’re laying the groundwork for the future.” Eliott Guérin, VP of Marketing at Skello
Target: 100 staff members by the end of 2026, including sales staff, trainers, customer success specialists… and, soon, developers to support our expansion into Belgium.
A successful establishment thanks to Hello Lille.
Skello benefited from key support from the Hello Lille business development agency, in collaboration with the Lille European Metropolis (MEL): networking with the local ecosystem, assistance with setting up operations… A partnership that makes all the difference.
Welcome to Tandem!
The company, which specialises in the artisanal production of textiles and leather, has chosen to set up in the business hub of the Lille European Metropolis (MEL) in Armentières.
Tandem produces goods for various brands, showcasing its exceptional craftsmanship.
Why did you choose the MEL? Because of the strength of its industrial base, the ease of recruiting qualified talent in these sectors, and one of the two directors’ personal attachment to the region.
The Business Location Team at the ‘ Hello Lille ’ Economic Development Agency was able to assist project developers in their search for land.
The Belgian family-owned group Packyard, which specialises in the processing of cardboard for innovative packaging, is investing in a 20,000 m² site in Villeneuve-d’Ascq.
A key milestone in its development, with the aim of tripling its turnover in a market driven by growing demand for environmentally friendly, local and flexible solutions.
Lille Métropole is an obvious choice for the company, thanks to:
This expansion is therefore part of an ambitious regional development strategy, aimed at fostering a sustainable industry with strong local roots.🌱
Hello Lille played a key role in connecting Packyard with strategic local partners, such as the centres of excellence EuraMaterials, Eurasanté and Euralimentaire, and in promoting the project at major events such as Viva Fabrica and MIPIM.
This support has thus helped to strengthen its regional presence and its appeal to potential recruits.
“We felt genuine support and very practical assistance. The teams atHello Lille understand our industrial challenges. Their enthusiasm and commitment make all the difference,” said Niko Dhondt, Group Director.
The agency continues to support Packyard, particularly with its ambitious HR projects, with a long-term target of 120 new employees.
Hello Lille is proud to announce the establishment of two new businesses in the Lille European Metropolis (MEL), which will strengthen the local ecosystem centred on innovation and the green transition.
A training centre specialising in retraining people for careers in energy-efficient renovation, it chose Lille Métropole because of its strategic location at the heart of Europe and its accessibility.
An American cleantech company, it is developing a unique technology to produce and store clean, high-temperature heat generated from renewable electricity.
This new location marks a key milestone in its European expansion: its proximity to strategic markets (Benelux, Germany, France and the UK) will enable rapid and effective growth.
Two business set-ups supported by the Investment Department of the ‘ Hello Lille ’ Economic Development Agency:
From Brussels to Lille, VS Consulting is breaking new ground
Founded in Brussels in 2022, the consultancy firm VS Consulting – which specialises in strategy, finance and digital transformation for SMEs, mid-market companies and large corporations – has chosen the European Metropolis of Lille (MEL) as the location for its first office in France!
Why the Lille metropolitan area? Because it ticks all the boxes:
In just a few months, thanks to the support of the regional development agency Hello Lille and Nord France Invest, VS Consulting was able to bring its project to fruition:
Having been established since 2023, the British company is now accelerating its growth in Lille by setting up a new strategic hub.
Operating in more than 30 countries, Octopus Energy is a major player in the energy transition, combining electricity supply, renewable energy generation and environmentally responsible solutions.
Why Lille Métropole?
“Lille was the obvious choice: it’s very easy to get to from our offices in Paris and London, it has a strong labour market, a genuine quality of life… And above all, a unique, down-to-earth atmosphere – typical of Lille. I’m based in Paris, but I always really enjoy coming to see our colleagues in Lille.” Pierre Pelletier, Director of Client Operations.
A project supported by the Hello Lille regional development agency, which acts as a key facilitator in forging links with the local ecosystem and providing support in recruiting talent.
Two years after the company’s arrival, 180 staff dedicated to customer relations and sales for the French market are based at the Lille site, and new offices in Emblem are helping to realise the ambition of reaching 400 employees by 2027.
Octopus Energy is a fine example of success for companies seeking sustainable growth and support from a dynamic and committed region!
Logi-technic, Belgium’s leading technical outsourcing provider, is accelerating its growth with the opening of two new branches in northern France, including one in the heart of the Lille European Metropolis (MEL).
This strategic expansion marks the start of an international venture!
With 600 technical experts and over 25 years’ experience, Logi-technic provides qualified technicians to bolster companies’ teams according to their needs: maintenance and fault management, installation and assembly, capacity building, and specialised projects.
Their team comprises electromechanical engineers, mechanics, industrial electricians, welders and fitters, whilst offering comprehensive support to staff in the areas of administration, legal management and technical support.
But why set up business in our region?
“The Hauts-de-France region is investing heavily in electric batteries and low-carbon industries, thereby offering significant opportunities for growth.” Sarah Craeymeersch, Director of Development for Hauts-de-France at Logi-technic.
Hello Lille ’s Economic Development Agency is delighted to announce that SQWAD is setting up operations in the Lille European Metropolis (MEL).
An innovative company specialising in customer relationship outsourcing and the creation of bespoke cloud-based contact centres, it offers support across all aspects of customer relations, with no geographical limitations: in Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Founded in 2022 in the Paris region, SQWAD is continuing to expand and has chosen EuraTechnologies as the location for its second branch. This strategic decision is a testament to the dynamism and appeal of our region!
MEL’s strengths, according to SQWAD:
Hello Lille supported the company during its establishment by facilitating its integration and providing HR support, in particular by putting it in touch with local employment partners.
IMATECH, a specialist in customer relationship management solutions with 700 employees based in Nantes, has joined the Lille European Metropolis (MEL) by setting up a new branch at WOJO Lille.
20 jobs will be created by the beginning of March.
His area of expertise?
Providing customer relationship solutions in the legal, automotive engineering, IT and insurance processes sectors.
What were the reasons behind IMATECH’s decision to choose Lille?
An attractive labour market, proximity to universities and training centres for recruiting and training young talent, and a vibrant quality of life.
Hello Lille is delighted to announce the arrival of MR Solar in Seclin, an expert in the photovoltaic sector for over 15 years!
The company guarantees robust, reliable solutions tailored to every solar project, whether for businesses or private individuals.
The MEL: a strategic choice.
Based in Kortrijk, in Flanders, and well known in the Belgian, Luxembourg and Dutch markets, MR Solar has chosen the European Metropolis of Lille (MEL) to accelerate its development in France, thanks to its advantages: proximity to Belgium to facilitate communication with head office,
Quick access to customers thanks to excellent transport links, enabling MR Solar to reach its French partners efficiently whilst reducing response times, Convenience for installers thanks to its ideal location, simplifying logistics and strengthening field operations, a pool of talent and a dynamic economic hub enabling the company to attract skilled professionals to support its growth and strengthen its teams.
To sum up, this venture combines MR Solar’s Flemish roots with the dynamism of the French market, paving the way for successful expansion!
Invest
Hello Lille ’s Invest team is your partner for a successful business set-up in the Lille metropolitan area. As experts in the region, we support you at every stage of your project, offering you exclusive access to a dynamic ecosystem and a network of key partners.
