Professional services

A high value growth sector powering a modern economy

Professional and financial services are one of the fastest growing and highest value sectors on the Redlands Coast, underpinning business confidence, innovation and economic resilience.

The sector comprises professional, technical, scientific, legal, accounting, financial, insurance and business advisory services – activities that are critical to the operation and expansion of all other industries across the region.

With strong employment growth, a highly educated workforce and increasing demand for knowledge intensive services, the sector has emerged as a major contributor to Redlands Coast’s shift toward a more diversified, high productivity economy. Businesses are increasingly choosing Redlands Coast as a cost effective, lifestyle advantaged alternative to CBD locations, without sacrificing access to markets or talent.

Professional and financial services now deliver more than $1.1 billion in economic output, reinforcing their role as a cornerstone of the city’s evolving economic profile.

Why Redlands Coast

Redlands Coast offers professional and financial services firms a compelling mix of commercial advantage and liveability.

Key advantages:

• Proximity to Brisbane and the broader south-east Queensland economy
• Lower operating and occupancy costs compared to inner city locations
• Strong digital connectivity enabling flexible, hybrid and remote service delivery
• Access to a highly educated, skilled local workforce
• Lifestyle appeal that supports talent attraction and retention

Businesses benefit from the ability to scale professional operations while maintaining close relationships with clients across metropolitan, regional and national markets.

Investment opportunities

Professional and financial services on the Redlands Coast present strong opportunities across:

• Business advisory, legal and accounting services supporting regional growth
• Financial and insurance services aligned to property, construction and small business expansion
• Technical and scientific services supporting advanced manufacturing, infrastructure and sustainability
• Digital enabled professional services, including consulting, analytics and specialist advice

Global trends such as digital transformation, regulatory complexity and economic uncertainty continue to increase demand for professional expertise, particularly for businesses navigating growth, compliance and innovation.

Future outlook

Professional and financial services are expected to remain a key growth engine for the Redlands Coast economy.

Looking ahead:

• Demand will continue to rise as other sectors – including construction, manufacturing and tourism – expand
• The sector is well positioned to absorb growth driven by population increase, business formation and investment activity
• High levels of educational attainment within the workforce will support movement into higher value, specialist services

As the economy matures, professional and financial services will play an increasingly important role in driving productivity, innovation and economic sophistication across the region.

Case studies

EEA Advisory

EEA Advisory supports Australian small-to-medium enterprises with a suite of integrated financial services including accounting and taxation, business advisory, virtual CFO services, bookkeeping, SMSF administration and wealth management. Working with clients across Queensland and Australia, the firm helps business owners grow, protect and transition their wealth with confidence.

Established 2021 – $3M turnover – 16 staff – Multi-partner firm – Award-winning business  

From its base at Capalaba, EEA Advisory services a diverse client base across professional services, healthcare and NDIS providers, construction and trades, and technology-based businesses. The firm’s cloud-based systems and Xero Gold Partner status enable them to deliver high-quality advisory services regardless of geography, while maintaining strong local relationships.

EEA Advisory’s presence reflects the Redlands Coast’s growing reputation as a self-sustaining business hub, supporting high-value professional services and skilled employment. Located between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the firm benefits from excellent accessibility while operating in a region that offers lower congestion, strong community connections and a collaborative business environment.

The firm’s rapid growth, award recognition and ability to attract experienced professionals highlightsRedlands Coast’s capacity to support scaling professional services businesses. EEA Advisory continues to invest in people, systems and advisory capability, reinforcing the region’s role in enabling knowledge-based industries to thrive.

Why Redlands Coast

Redlands Coast offers the right balance of access, opportunity and lifestyle for growing professional services firms.

Key advantages include:

• Central location between Brisbane and the Gold Coast
• Strong local business community and referral networks
• Ease of attracting clients and skilled team members
• Lower operational pressure compared to inner-city locations
• A relaxed, connected environment that supports sustainable growth.

“Being positioned between Brisbane and the Gold Coast allows for a broad reach, but the Redlands itself functions as a self-sustaining hub with a diverse mix of industries – from medical and professional services to construction and trade sectors.”

Anna O'Gorman Architects

AOG Architects is a female-led architecture and design studio delivering thoughtful, place-responsive architecture across residential, civic and community projects, operating from Cleveland on the Redlands Coast.

Established 2016 – Cleveland-based studio – Community & civic focus – Female-led practice – Diverse project scales

AOG Architects provides full architectural services from early feasibility and briefing through to design, documentation and contract administration. The practice works across a diverse range of projects, including social and affordable housing, high-end residential, education, institutional, civic and community architecture.

Collaborating closely with councils, government agencies, community organisations, developers and private clients, AOG Architects is known for delivering architectural outcomes that are robust, enduring and deeply connected to place. Each project is grounded in a strong understanding of local context, user needs and long-term value.

The studio’s presence on the Redlands Coast demonstrates the region’s strength in professional services, design-led industries and knowledge-based employment. Operating from Cleveland, AOG Architects benefits from close proximity to clients, consultants and decision-makers, while remaining well-connected to Brisbane and Southeast Queensland’s broader design and construction ecosystem.

AOG Architects’ work reflects the values of the Redlands Coast – community connection, environmental responsiveness and quality design. By embedding themselves locally, the studio is able to contribute directly to the shape and character of neighbourhoods, public spaces and community assets across the region.

The business continues to grow alongside the Redlands Coast, supported by strong local networks, a growing demand for well-considered civic and residential development, and a lifestyle offering that attracts and retains skilled creative professionals.

Why Redlands Coast

Redlands Coast offers a compelling environment for professional and creative services – combining strong community identity with access to major markets.

Key advantages include:

• Close connection to local communities, landscapes and built environments
• Growing demand for civic, residential and community-based projects
• Easy access to Brisbane and SEQ without the congestion and cost pressures
• A lifestyle-led location that supports staff wellbeing and retention
• Strong alignment between place-based values and design-led industries.

“Doing business on the Redlands Coast means being part of a community that values connection, place and long-term thinking. It’s an inspiring region to work in – one where thoughtful design can make a real difference to everyday life.”

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