WARRINGTON has been named in the top ten cities and towns for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in digital, creative and professional services.

Research has revealed that UK cities which have the highest numbers of small firms in creative, professional and digital sectors are also the most successful places in terms of overall jobs growth, productivity and average wages.

This is according to a new report by the think tank Centre for Cities.

As well as showing that there has been significant growth in SMEs in recent years, the report highlights that these firms have a big impact on the wider city economy by increasing demand and jobs in other sectors such as retail and leisure.

Alexandra Jones, chief executive of Centre for Cities said he report highlights that the world of work is changing.

She added: "In recent decades, small innovative firms, taking advantage of technological advances, have started to play an increasingly important role in driving jobs growth, wages and productivity in UK cities.

"For places to prosper and grow, they need to consider how they can build on their existing strengths to support the kinds of highly-skilled and agile firms found in creative and professional industries, as well as the traditional focus on attracting inward investment from big businesses and multinationals."