There are several locations to set up a business base within the United Kingdom, where cities are increasingly in competition with each other to attract inward investment. From London to Leeds and Edinburgh to Exeter, each city offers something a little different so how do you decide where to set up shop?

There are certain issues you will need to address. Costs may be one of the first factors to look at as how much you have to spend can determine where it is possible to conduct cost effective business.

You may have a certain budget allocated to setting up an office or premises so essential overheads such as rent and business rates will be important considerations. These can vary throughout the United Kingdom so a spot of shopping around can help you to find the perfect spot as value for money is important when sourcing new business space.

Location is important for differing reasons. If you are planning to set up retail premises, for example you need to find a shop front with high levels of foot traffic.

If you are setting up an office space then you might need to consider the location in terms of accessibility for both staff and clients.

Research shows that accessibility factors do differ depending on type of business. Easy access to customers or clients is more important to consumer retail and distribution companies, while ease of recruiting qualified staff is more important to both professional and industrial companies.

Whatever the type of business, easy access is critical so proximity to local public transport links, such as tube and train stations, should be assessed. When it comes to the office space you might want to investigate available parking facilities as well.

Frequent and reliable transport links with other cities is also high on the priority list for business owners and directors. Being able to connect easily with other locations throughout the United Kingdom is a huge advantage that a large proportion of business men and women deem essential as they build business contacts and networks through the country.

Worldwide air links may be a point for exploration, especially for international organisations that are setting up offices within Britain.

Quality of life factors are also rising in importance for business workers. Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, tops the UK cities monitor list for quality of life as well as freedom from pollution. The cities monitor also shows that in the overall rating of best cities for business, the top UK cities are London, Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds.

In terms of company expansion, London can expect the biggest influx of companies over the next five years followed by Manchester, Cardiff and Edinburgh. The capital cities of England and Scotland frequently top the list of desirable business locations and their plus points may appeal to you too. Flights to Edinburgh from London run frequently every day of the week so it is possible to investigate both locations thoroughly before making your final decision.

The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author and is intended purely for information and interest purposes only. It should not be used to make any decisions or take any actions. Any links are included for information purposes only.