Manchester leapfrogs Birmingham in UK business survey

Manchester has overtaken Birmingham in this year's UK Cities Monitor, the business survey of over 200 companies undertaken by property adviser Cushman & Wakefield.

The survey ranks the country's major cities against a number of criteria considered essential for good business. Although both are ranked behind London overall, Manchester and Birmingham are ranked higher than the capital on a number of factors. Liverpool was ranked ninth overall, one place higher than in 2006, and scored well on the availability of financial incentives and office space.

Manchester is seen to be best for a new headquarters building and also for a new back office function. Manchester can expect the biggest influx of companies over the next five years followed by Birmingham and Bristol. It is also the top rated city for the availability of office space and car parking, overtaking Birmingham this year on both counts.

Elaine Rossall, head of European business space research, Cushman & Wakefield said: "London is now essentially one of a small number of 'world cities'. Its sheer size and position as a global financial centre mean that it is always going to be the most recognised and successful business location in the UK. What is interesting therefore is to see which cities are jostling for position below it. Most of the cities in our ranking compete with each other to attract businesses from overseas and relocations of existing UK companies. They are increasingly recognising the need to promote their competitive advantages and to understand the complex ingredients of success to ensure that their location remains competitive."

UK Cities Monitor 2007: The best city in which to locate a business

UK Cities Monitor 2007: The best city by different criteria