2022 is on the horizon and it may be the year that you finally commit to starting your own business. No matter your idea, concept or business model, finding the right location to lay the foundations for your venture should be a top priority. The majority of start-ups tend to be situated near the major economic hubs in the UK, largely due to more developed infrastructure, availability of fast broadband and access to local talent pools of graduates and experienced professionals. As such, which are the best cities for a new start-up in the UK in 2022?

Birmingham

Birmingham is the second city of the UK and boasts many qualities that make it attractive for business. It has fast transport routes into London and other cities like Leeds, Manchester and Bristol. Furthermore, the current construction of HS2 should improve transport links into the capital, potentially bringing more economic growth and prosperity to the West Midlands region. Birmingham has a staggering total of 5 local universities, meaning there is a significant talent pool of graduates and professionals to benefit your business. With a considerably lower cost of living than London, the city is a great alternative for a start-up in 2022.

Leeds

Leeds has developed remarkably over the last few decades, now becoming a business hub to rival Manchester over the Pennines. The economy is diverse and progressive, dominated by financial and legal sectors but supported by some of the best creative, digital and retail industries in the country. The transport links are excellent too, positioned nicely among major economic hubs like Manchester, Edinburgh and London. With 4 universities, and many more in the surrounding Yorkshire region, there is a strong talent pool to make the most of.

London

London is the most popular city for start-ups in the UK by sheer volume. The capital’s status as a global financial and business hub has a large role to play in this, but this also makes it fiercely competitive. Some of the largest financial institutions in the world have headquarters in the City of London, making real estate hard to secure and expensive. However, London will always attract the best candidates from universities like Oxford and Cambridge, as well as from schools in London itself. Transport links to everywhere in the UK and global business hubs around the world make it a strong choice. If you’re wanting to spend some time in the city before deciding whether to start a business here, stay in one of London’s serviced apartments to get a feel for the place.

Manchester

Of course, Manchester can’t be disregarded when it comes to starting a business. With an international airport, large metropolitan area and strong economy – the city is a favourite among entrepreneurs. The area of Salford is continuing to become an important media and broadcasting hub in the UK, attracting investment and professionals from around London and the South East. Greater Manchester is a popular area to live, so the ideal candidates shouldn’t be far away.