AAT examined information from 64 cities across the UK to determine the best location to start a business in. They cross-referenced data from seven key criteria, including the density of small and medium sized businesses in the area, quality of broadband connectivity, the amount of small business closures, property prices, and even pollution levels.
Southend rated highly for having a good number of small businesses starting up in the area and relatively low levels of pollution.
AAT Chief Executive Mark Farrar said: “Although many people would automatically think of London as the best place in the UK to start a business, this research shows that there may be better locations to find success. The opportunities and facilities available in Southend make it an extremely attractive place to invest in.”
Best cities to start a business in the UK
1. Brighton
2. Cambridge
3. Leicester
4. Worthing
5. Reading
6. Bristol
7. Aldershot
8. Crawley
9. London
10. Derby
11. Northampton
12. Coventry
13. Bournemouth
14. Aberdeen
15. Blackburn
16. Portsmouth
17. Oxford
18. Southend
19. Rochdale
20. Nottingham