Guildford top for economic growth in 2015

Guildford in Surrey has the best prospects for economic growth outside London, according to a “health check” of UK towns and cities. In Lambert Smith Hampton’s latest UK Vitality Index, Guildford has replaced Cambridge as the destination best placed to support economic expansion over the next year. The research is based on assessing the health of local economies in large towns and cities outside London to identify which are the most robust. Brighton sits behind Cambridge as the third location with most potential, with Oxford and York both making the list for the first time this year at eighth and ninth place respectively following a year of successful business start-ups and an increase in corporate investment. The report also identifies Manchester, Northampton and Derby as the most significant improvers over the past 12 months. LSH chief executive Ezra Nahome said: “Although the South East remains the best performing region – half of the top 10 is located in the area – it is encouraging to see York joining the top tier for the first time and destinations such as Manchester, Northampton and Derby climbing up the rankings. All of the regions have an important role to play in delivering  economic prosperity and it appears that they are making progress in fulfilling this obligation.” amber.rolt@estatesgazette.com