Brighton leads ranking of UK cities attracting next-generation businesses
Brighton has emerged as the UK’s leading hub for “new economy” businesses, according to new research that highlights the growing importance of technology, innovation and knowledge-intensive sectors in shaping future investment opportunities.
The study, conducted by Approved Business Finance, ranked UK cities according to the number of new economy firms per 10,000 residents. These businesses operate in sectors such as artificial intelligence, fintech, life sciences, clean technology and other high-growth industries viewed as central to the UK’s future economic development.
Brighton topped the ranking with 36.9 new economy firms per 10,000 residents, ahead of Milton Keynes, Reading and Oxford. The findings point to a strong concentration of innovation-driven business activity across southern England, although several northern and Scottish cities also featured prominently.
For investors, the research provides insight into where future demand for commercial real estate, innovation infrastructure and venture capital may increasingly concentrate. Cities with high densities of technology and knowledge-based firms typically benefit from stronger demand for office space, research facilities, science parks and talent-driven residential development.
Milton Keynes ranked second, reflecting its growing reputation in areas such as robotics, artificial intelligence and smart-city technologies. Reading placed third, supported by one of the fastest-growing local economies outside London, while Oxford continued to strengthen its position as a leading innovation ecosystem anchored by research institutions, science parks and deep-tech companies.
Warrington rounded out the top five, highlighting how future-economy growth is not limited to traditional technology clusters. The town has developed strengths across engineering, logistics and advanced industrial sectors, benefiting from its strategic location between Manchester and Liverpool.
The rankings also underline the increasingly diverse geography of UK innovation. Edinburgh and Aberdeen both featured in the top ten, demonstrating how regional cities are attracting growing levels of entrepreneurial activity and investment beyond London’s established technology ecosystem.
For foreign investors and real asset developers, the findings reinforce a broader trend: economic growth is becoming increasingly tied to innovation clusters that combine talent, research capabilities and supportive business environments. As competition for technology investment intensifies globally, cities capable of nurturing high-growth firms are likely to play an increasingly important role in attracting capital, skilled workers and long-term development projects.
