Startups.co.uk’s annual ranking of the top cities in the UK, outside of London, to start a business has named Sheffield in the top spot.
The most exhaustive research project of its kind measures against 42 research categories, covering everything from digital infrastructure to high street funding, using this information to determine the best overall city for start-ups to thrive in.
Sheffield has been revealed as the overall winner, thanks to the city’s strong performance across many of the research areas. The Steel City impressed with its low cost of living, large working population and fantastic transport links.
The city performed well in multiple categories, making the top 10 in four out of the five main research categories, including second for business support and third for talent.
In their conclusions, Startups.co.uk said: “Sheffield City Region boasts an impressive business profile and is home to world-class brands, including Boeing and HSBC.
“The city is also famous for its Innovation District. This globally significant centre for innovation and translational research spans over 20,000 acres and is a major driver of growth in the north of England and across the UK.”
Harry Bliss, co-founder and CEO of Startups-100 business, Champion Health, told startups.co.uk that without Sheffield’s business support and talent pool, Champion Health would not exist.
Adding: “It’s here that I first founded the business, sought investment and – of course – gained investment from a fantastic local tech-for-good incubator named TwinklHive.
“There’s [also] a strong tech scene – no doubt helped by excellent local universities and courses. And with many professionals being priced out of cities like London, I think Sheffield is becoming a more attractive proposition for young talent.”
