Milton Keynes is a fantastic place to do business. That’s beyond doubt … and we have the evidence to prove it! According to Bionic, there are a whopping 683 active businesses per 10,000 population, one of the highest ratios in the UK. What’s more, a recent Centre for Cities report placed MK second in the country for the number of new start-ups.

So – what makes Milton Keynes such a great launch pad for start-ups and small businesses? And how will this status be affected by its new-found city status? Could the city’s evident commercial success be purely down to its central location, strategically placed between London, Birmingham, Oxford and Cambridge? Could it be the diversity of its economy? Maybe the answer lies in the region’s remarkable talent pool. Or perhaps there are a whole host of reasons.

Reasons for the Milton Keynes business success story

• Easy to get to
  With its excellent transport links, including a main train line that connects to London in just 30 minutes, Milton Keynes is a convenient and accessible location for businesses and employees alike. Major airports are close by, including London Luton, Heathrow, and Gatwick, making it easy for businesses to access international clients and customers.

• A booming economy
  Milton Keynes enjoys a healthy and diverse economy. This includes a range of industries, including technology, engineering, and creative services. The result? Local businesses can access a wealth of talent and resources, making it easier to grow and flourish.

• Supportive environment
  The local government and business community in Milton Keynes are renowned for their support of SMEs. They provide a range of services and resources to help businesses succeed. For example, there’s a dedicated business support team offering help and advice on a range of topics, including funding and marketing.

• Affordable
  Compared to London and other major cities, Milton Keynes is relatively affordable, making it a great option for SMEs looking to keep costs down.

• Highly skilled talent pool
  Milton Keynes is home to a highly skilled and talented workforce, with a large number of universities and colleges in the area. Businesses enjoy access to a wide range of highly skilled and motivated employees – essential for success.

• Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  Milton Keynes has a thriving enterprise culture. Businesses benefit from a supportive and dynamic environment that fosters innovation and creativity. The city is home to countless successful start-ups, as well as established businesses, making it a great place for SMEs to network and collaborate.

• Quality of Life
  Milton Keynes is a wonderful place to live and work. There’s a high quality of life and a range of recreational activities and attractions in the city. Newcomers are often surprised by the thriving sense of community that has developed over such a short time span.

Milton Keynes – looking ahead to city status

Beyond the obvious sense of achievement – after 21 years of trying – what will its new-found status mean for the new City of Milton Keynes?

There may not be a great deal of tangible difference in terms of additional functions, funding, or powers. But … the experience of other cities suggests that the city can expect a huge boost to local communities in terms of a sense of pride and validation. And for businesses? Being a city will put Milton Keynes firmly on the international map as a place to do business.

One example is Perth. Granted city status in 2012 as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the Scottish city has reaped the full benefits, with the local economy expanding by 12% in the decade since it was granted city status.

In conclusion, Milton Keynes is a great place for SMEs to start, grow, and succeed. And with its city status, the picture for the future is brighter still. 

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