Surrey: LSH names Guildford as best town or city for growth

Guildford has risen to first position in this year's UK Vitality Index published by Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) on December 11. The annual report assess the economic prospects of towns and cities outside of London, highlighting those areas that offer the greatest potential for economic expansion over the coming 12 months. The results provide an economic health check of an area, ranking each location on six separate categories: most productive, fastest growing, most entrepreneurial, best educated, greenest and most affluent.

Ranked as number one, Guildford replaces Cambridge as the area with the strongest and most robust local economy, offering businesses and investors opportunity for development, expansion and growth.

Guildford's sterling performance in the report was attributed to its high level of affluence, low levels of unemployment and high status educational offering, with the University of Surrey now ranked sixth in the country according to the Guardian's university league table.

Special mention was also made to the proposed investment and redevelopment plans for the town centre, which aim to increase and enhance Guildford's retail, residential and office space, offering further opportunities for investment and growth.

Commenting on Guildford's position within the rankings and what it means to the future success of the town, Kevin Lorimer, chair of Experience Guildford, said: "This is a tremendous achievement for the town and a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our businesses, education facilities and organisations. The South East is a hotbed of opportunity and prospect and we are delighted to see Guildford highlighted as a beacon for economic strength and growth. In the past few years we have attracted leading brands and businesses to our town centre and this report further strengthens our position as a solid location for future investment."

Cllr Gordon Jackson, lead councillor for economic development, added: “Being number one for economic vitality is fantastic news for our local businesses and our wider community. It recognises the importance of Guildford economically, as a key growth town making a positive long-term impact on the regional economy.

“Working closely with partners, we aim to improve business investment and opportunities so vital to the prosperity of everyone in our borough. Our strategy for the future is for smart economic growth, which means driving growth through improved productivity, research, innovation and creativity. This sustainable growth must also maintain the quality of life and environment in Guildford."

Keith Robson, director of enterprise and growth at the University of Surrey and chair of Guildford Business Forum, continued: "Guildford has long been home to highly-entrepreneurial companies spanning an amazing variety of sectors including video gaming, satellite engineering and medical as well as retail, hospitality and leisure. We now have the world’s first dedicated centre for the development of ‘5G' future mobile communications and Internet technology. In the past everyone talked about the 'Cambridge phenomenon' so hopefully it is now Guildford’s turn."

Full details of the 2015 UK Vitality Index can be found here.