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Garden city named as investment hotspot

Milton Keynes has been identified as the top area for business investment by a study from local government management publication, the Municipal Journal, and research consultancy, Local Futures.

The report said the Buckinghamshire town was the top local authority area for investment and growth, as well as the best town or city.

South Cambridgeshire, Basingstoke and Deane, South Gloucester and Wiltshire were also in the study’s top five local authority areas, while Warrington, York, Brighton and Hove and Swindon were identified as the best UK cities for investment.

These findings follow a speech made by Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, in November, when he said Britain needs to build more garden cities like Milton Keynes to avoid a “haphazard urban sprawl,” that could ruin the countryside.

Mr Clegg’s comments have been given greater force as Milton Keynes is heralded as the best UK town for companies invest in.

The town was also highlighted in the Centre for Cities report, released at the end of January, as having made the most progress in recession recovery since 2008, along with the Northampton region.

Dr Ann Limb, Chair of South East Midlands LEP, said “ I am delighted that Milton Keynes and Northampton feature in the top cities for overall economic performance outside London.

“SEMLEP aims to promote the South East Midlands as a prime growth location for businesses, investors and visitors.

“This analysis clearly demonstrates the strength of Milton Keynes as a growth area relative to other parts of the country.”

Councillor Andrew Geary, Leader of Milton Keynes council, commented: “We’re obviously very pleased to be mentioned […]in such glowing terms.

“It’s also good to see the strengths of other towns in the South East Midlands being recognised.

“The council will work hard to ensure the city remains a success through gaining more investment and jobs for Milton Keynes residents.

“We will also collaborate with our neighbouring councils to realise the potential of the wider area”.

Councillor David Mackintosh, Leader of Northampton Borough Council, added: “This is yet more recognition that the confidence in our town is well deserved.

“The report shows just how far we have come with lots of exciting projects including the Enterprise Zone.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .