New research has highlighted the best UK cities for business owners raising families.
- London tops the list, offering an abundance of children’s activities.
- Belfast stands second with significant green spaces and a high safety index.
- Leeds ranks third, noted for its educational facilities and green areas.
- These cities combine business opportunities with family well-being, according to the study.
Establishing and managing a small business in the UK presents considerable challenges, particularly when coupled with the responsibilities of raising a family. Recent research has identified cities across the UK that excel in supporting independent business owners while simultaneously offering excellent childcare options and family-friendly amenities. Based on 11 criteria, including factors such as monthly rent and utility costs, availability of green spaces, educational institutions, and child-centric activities, this study unveils the locations best suited for entrepreneurial families.
London emerges as the leading city on this list. Despite high monthly rental and utility costs, London provides an array of activities tailored for children. The city boasts an impressive 724 activities specifically designed for children along with 181 playgrounds, 168 entertainment centres, and 92 sports camps, making it a haven for families seeking engaging environments for their children.
In second place is Belfast, which offers extensive green spaces, officially classified as covering 44.52% of the city. This includes parks, community gardens, and public squares, making it an ideal locale for family-oriented outdoor activities. Additionally, Belfast’s safety index, scoring 53.69, further enhances its appeal as a thriving centre for businesses, facilitating both professional success and family growth.
Ranked third, Leeds distinguishes itself with its educational offerings, providing families access to 169 schools and 170 nurseries. Beyond formal educational settings, Leeds offers ample natural landscapes, as 41.90% of the city is designated as green space, offering families a balanced urban-rural experience.
Notably, Liverpool presents the most affordable monthly rental costs among the top cities, at £815.62, allowing entrepreneurs to allocate more financial resources towards business expansion and family needs. Moreover, Newcastle upon Tyne’s high safety index of 61.97 offers a secure setting conducive to both business operations and family well-being.
Corin Camenisch, Product Marketing Lead at SumUp, remarked, “Balancing the demands of running a business, all whilst raising a family is no easy task. We conducted this study to highlight the UK cities that can offer a great environment for both small businesses and families to thrive. Our goal is to help entrepreneurial parents find the perfect place where both their professional and family lives flourish.”
The research underscores the potential for UK cities to support both entrepreneurial and familial aspirations.
