So you want a start a business in the UK?
Great choice. The UK is a hub of start up activity with new businesses launching every single day. The relative ease with which you can start a company is of huge appeal here.
You may well just start up in whichever town or city you live. But if you’re considering starting up in a specific city, you’re location flexible or want to relocate somewhere else in the country, then you may well be weighing up which city here is the best to launch your new company in.
With various factors to consider, such as growth, living costs, and potential earnings, it can be difficult to make a decision.
Fortunately, many cities across the UK are home to thriving local economies and business-savvy networks. In this article, we explore the top cities in the UK to start your business that will guarantee success.
London
Undoubtedly, London is among the top places to start a business in the UK. The Capital boasts countless industries, a dynamic economy, and a large pool of potential investors and customers. As a diverse cultural hub, London is ideal for networking with other professionals in the field, which is essential for a business in its early stages.
If you plan to hire out various aspects of your business to help with day-to-day tasks, London is home to plenty of big names. From talented accountants who will master your finances to bookkeepers who will monitor your spending, you can rest assured knowing you’re in good hands.
The downside for new start ups who might be cash conscious in those early days? Cost of living. It’s typically more expensive to live in London than anywhere else across the UK.
Liverpool
Liverpool’s location close to the Irish Sea means that it has long been a trading port. However, more recent decades have seen other key industries thrive, including leisure and tourism, digital and media, and the service sector.
One thing in particular that makes Liverpool stand out from other major cities, especially those looking for office space, is how affordable it is. There are also support programmes available for businesses here to offer advice and services.
Manchester
There’s a growing reputation in Manchester for startups in tech and digital industries. Aside from the city’s high quality of life, you’ve also got a strong digital infrastructure, a supportive ecosystem, and a wide selection of coworking spaces.
Manchester has several high-ranking universities that also contribute to the economy by offering support and bringing in talented graduates from all over the country.
Its location offers a good central access point for reaching other major cities across the UK and it has a much lower cost of living than the likes of London.
Edinburgh
Home to world-class universities, historical interest, and thriving science and tech industries, Edinburgh is an appealing location for prospective business owners. Scotland’s capital is also well connected to other major cities like London and Glasgow and has its own airport in case of business trips.
Small businesses in Edinburgh can capitalise on growth prospects, courtesy of excellent economic performance over the last few years. SMEs can also still access funding from the government and private sector to ensure they remain efficient and competitive.
It’s not just about business in Edinburgh too; the city offers a lively social scene and stunning landscapes. If you appreciate mixing business with pleasure, Edinburgh may be the ideal place for your startup.
Where will you start?
Starting in the UK affords a relatively red tape free start up experience and access to well established networking circles and professional services suppliers. We also have so many incredible cities that new start ups are spoilt for choice.
With that in mind, which city will you choose for your start up?
