It topped the table, beating off the UK's biggest cities, to be named the best business location in the country.

Property consultants Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) looked at both labour and property factors to compile the report, finding Northampton's highly-skilled workforce, costs, recruitment, office rents and availability led to the town providing the best offices.

Ian Leather, Head of LSH's Northampton office, said: "The positioning of Northampton at the top of the index is great news for the town but it will only mean something if we can attract inward movers and occupiers and provide the type of accommodation that is going to put Northampton on the map as a choice location for occupiers.

"Within the Northampton market there is still a sensible balance to the supply and demand equation and as such we are not suffering from an over supply of vacant stock, which has been the case in previous market downturns.

"The challenge as part of the region's growth agenda will be to deliver quality office space that meets the needs and demands of modern users."

Erica Inns, manager of Evans Easy Space, a provider of managed and serviced offices in Moulton Park, said: "I would tend to agree.

"I think that, by comparison with the surrounding areas, Northampton is the best. It has a lot more to offer and a lot better quality.

"It represents good value for money and flexibility. We have an awful lot of skills and an awful lot to offer. Northampton is good value for money."

Roger Mendonca, deputy chief executive at the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC), said: "We should be proud that Northampton is being recognised as a great place to do business, strategically located at the centre of England, with a rate of employment well above the national average."