A new survey, conducted by Cusham & Wakefield Monitor, rated all the leading centres of business around Europe, grading them on a number of points: availability of office space and quality of staff among others. Out of all the cities surveyed, Birrmingham rated best overall, coming top for the cost of office space and improving in 11 out of 12 categories since last year’s report.

Councillor Mike Whitby, leader of Birmingham City Council, says: “Birmingham is investing heavily in its public infrastructure and for the benefits that this affords to the business community to be recognised not just here at home, but importantly amongst our peers across Europe is extremely gratifying.

“The findings mirror the momentum and vision we have for the city and are the result of five years of hard work," he continues. "For those already based in this great city there was no doubt as to its status and strengths, but to be recognised by others as the UK’s premier city outside the capital shows that Birmingham really does mean business.”

The findings were announced in the wake of a number of large-scale office moves and corporate expansions into Birminham city centre. Deutsche Bank opened its operational processing centre at One Brindley Place last year, creating in excess of 500 jobs. "When we were considering where to set up our near-shore location to London, a key consideration was the availability of talent in the local market," says Martin James, head of site for Deutsche Bank. "Birmingham having a maturing financial centre certainly met that need."

Do you agree with the survey results? Are you a Birmingham-based business? Tell us about your experiences doing business in Birmingham – add a comment below.

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