NEWBURY has been named one of the top European Cities of the Future by the Financial Times, along with Slough. 

The report looks at indicators like economic potential, business friendliness, lifestyle, and connectivity. 

Newbury came 23rd across Europe, but was beaten by Cambridge at 21st, Slough at 15th, and London in the top spot. Paris came second, Dublin third and Munich fourth. 

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Councillor Lynne Doherty, leader of West Berkshire Council, said: “This is a real vote of confidence in Newbury and West Berkshire and all that we have to offer. We’re proud of our district and pleased its future potential has been recognised in this report.

“The district is already a great place to live, work and visit, and at the council we will be playing a leading role in the coming years to make it even better still.”

The rankings were based on which towns and cities are best tailored for investors, and were published in the fDi Magazine, published by the Financial Times. 

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Cllr Hilary Cole (Con, Chieveley & Cold Ash), lead for development and planning, said: “I’m delighted but not surprised that our business potential has been recognised.

“We are a great place to start and grow a business with good links regionally and nationally, good infrastructure and with great communities for employees and families to live in. 

“I have real confidence in our local economy and all it has to offer for the future.” 

A wealth of different data points were used to calculate the rankings, including investment on research and development, ease of finding skilled employees, internet speed, and number of companies in the high-tech manufacturing sector.