The town sits within the High Peak Borough Council area, and is currently attracting new investment in both its retail and knowledge based industries.  Buxton residents are highly qualified with over 21% having university degrees or equivalents - 4% above the regional average.  A significant Knowledge and Cultural Industries Cluster has developed over the last few years with the proportion of working population involved in creative industries more than double the regional average (10%).  Key employers such as the Government Health and Safety Laboratories mean that the knowledge-based economy is of national importance, and strong links exist to Manchester, Sheffield and Derby Universities. 

The £32m restoration of the Buxton Crescent and Spa will see the re-use of this landmark building as a thermal spa hotel, the first in the county.  Additional investment by the Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership is being pursued including the creation of wireless mesh technology to support e-commerce for the 21st century and there are ambitious plans to create an Incubator Unit for start-up businesses in the very near future.