For the sixth year running the annual index of economic performance puts Milton Keynes as the top city in the country for jobs growth, with 24,400 new jobs being created between 2004 and 2013 – a rise of 18.2%.
The city is ranked second for business start-ups and for the first time appears in the top ten for the number of patents registered a measure of how innovative a place is.
Milton Keynes Council leader Cllr Pete Marland said: “This is excellent news and a testament to the talents of local businesses and employees.
"The city’s success is based on a track record of innovation and a strong entrepreneurial culture while at the same time delivering homes and jobs in a balanced way.
"What also makes Milton Keynes special is our geographical location and accessibility. It’s a city people want to work in and one that is increasingly attracting the high levels of skilled people that companies need to develop and grow.
"This success is very welcome but he council will continue to focus strongly on a successful economy and delivery benefits to all of our citizens.”
The council has its own specialist team, InvestMK, which has been instrumental in bringing thousands of jobs to Milton Keynes.
Pam Gosal, the council’s head of economic development and inward investment, said: “With enviable statistics such as these, it’s no surprise that Milton Keynes is number one over the last 10 years for job growth.
“At InvestMK we play a vital role in attracting and retaining companies nationally and internationally, providing crucial information on locations, demographics and support companies into making the decision as to whether to establish or relocate to Milton Keynes.”
Milton Keynes South MP Iain Stewart has welcomed the Centre for Cities report.
He said: “Today the Prime Minister will be setting out how he is aiming to build a Britain with full employment. Milton Keynes is a fantastic example of how with innovation and a strong entrepreneurial spirit a city can enjoy real successes with job creation.”
“We are city with a real ‘can do’ attitude and we are attracting highly skilled individuals from across the country.”
Mark Lancaster, MP for Milton Keynes North, said: "In less than four months, voters get to decide the UK’s future. This report demonstrates how government’s actions over the past four years have formed the platform for Milton Keynes’ success and drive the economy forward.
"There are still a number of challenges ahead but this report demonstrates UK-wide that milton Keynes is delivering a successful formula."