Railway links help turn Leamington into booming business hub

Leamington has been named as one of the UK’s fastest-growing business hubs.

Research by rail-bookings specialists Trainline for Business has shown the Spa town to be one of the most attractive places in the country for entrepreneurs and growing enterprises.

The four-year study found that travel by small and medium-sized businesses has increased by 121 per cent on the rail route between Leamington Spa and London, offering significant potential benefits for Leamington’s range of gaming and other high-growth companies.

Trainline’s data reveals that Leamington-based businesses are capitalising on the increased mobility and interconnectivity between locations in the UK.

Paul Miles Rogers, chairman of the Warwickshire & Coventry region of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: “It’s great to see Leamington named among the UK’s fast-growing hubs in the country for entrepreneurs and enterprises.

“Over the past few years we have seen partners in Coventry and Warwickshire coming together to support start-ups and help businesses prosper, so it’s exciting to see it is having an impact on the economy.

"The FSB is committed to helping new businesses grow and that’s why we offer a range of practical benefits that help them save time and money."

Dr Alasdair Rae, senior lecturer in urban studies and planning at the University of Sheffield, who verified the Trainline for Business data, believes the growth in travel to and from regional destinations suggests a growing appetite for SMEs to be based outside London.

 “Trainline’s data on rail business travel provides a compelling and timely insight into the geography of SMEs across the country," said Dr Rae. “It is clear that something significant is happening in terms of the growing number of SMEs choosing to do business outside London.

“With cheaper rents, quick access to the capital and highly-skilled local labour markets, many SMEs appear to be taking advantage of key towns and cities across the UK, with Leamington Spa proving particularly popular."