Wokingham Borough crowned best place to start a business

Wokingham Borough has been named the best place in the United Kingdom to start a new business, outperforming major cities including Edinburgh, London and Manchester in a national study of the country's most investment-ready locations.

The research by The Investors Centre assessed seven key indicators of long-term business success, including employment rates, business survival, economic productivity, high-growth companies, office costs and workforce skills. 

Wokingham came out on top thanks to its exceptional economic performance, highly skilled workforce and strong record of supporting successful businesses.

Cllr Mark Ashwell, executive member for Economic Development, Sport, Leisure, Countryside and the Arts, said: "This is fantastic news for everyone connected with Wokingham Borough. To be recognised as the best place to start a business is a tremendous achievement and a tribute to our outstanding business community, talented workforce and the partnerships that make our local economy so successful.

"This isn't about luck. It reflects years of building an environment where businesses can invest with confidence, recruit skilled people and grow. Our residents, schools, colleges and employers have all played a part in creating one of the strongest local economies in the country."

The borough recorded the highest economic productivity in the study at £61.46 gross value added per hour worked, with 81 per cent of residents qualified to Level 3 or above, a 61.17 per cent three-year business survival rate and one of the UK's highest proportions of high-growth businesses.

Cllr Ashwell added: “The award also reflects a wider philosophy, one that places communities and local leadership at the heart of economic success.

"Across the country, there is increasing recognition that successful places are built from the ground up - not dictated from Whitehall putting place before politics, working in partnership - backing enterprise and making decisions that improve everyday life.

"As the Government talks about a place-first approach to growth, Wokingham Borough is already demonstrating what that looks like in practice. This recognition shows that when councils work alongside businesses rather than simply regulating them, communities prosper.

“The accolade reinforces our commitment to enabling business to lead, supporting local entrepreneurs, attracting investment and ensuring Wokingham Borough remains one of the country's best places to live, work and do business.”

The recognition comes as the council continues to strengthen partnerships with businesses, education providers and community organisations to drive sustainable economic growth and create opportunities for future generations.