London 'is Europe's best business city'

London has seen off competition from Paris and Frankfurt to retain its position as the best business city in Europe.

According to Cushman & Wakefield's latest European Cities Monitor, the capital was found to be the optimum destination for companies in 2009, meaning it has now held the title for every year since the survey began in 1990.

The results, which may be of interest to firms that are looking to carry out market entry in the UK, also highlighted Birmingham as a possible destination, with the West Midlands city rising seven places to 14th on the list.

Cushman & Wakefield surveyed 500 of Europe's largest companies for the research, with senior managers and board directors interviewed for their opinions on the best city for business and the ideal place in which to locate.

Access to qualified staff and good transport links were both cited as reasons why London is ideal and James Young, head of Cushman & Wakefield's office in the City, said that it has remained popular despite a "turbulent" year.

"Major corporates clearly still recognise that its critical mass of talent, facilities and infrastructure combine to deliver a compelling location for business," he remarked.

Cushman & Wakefield recently published research showing that investment in property in London climbed for the second consecutive quarter in a row during the three months to the end of September.