SOUTHAMPTON has been named one of the UK’s “fastest evolving and thriving cities”, outstripping London.

Research has placed the city sixth in a national league table, based on factors including business survival, education, CO2 emissions and economic output.

Southampton scored 57.12 out of a possible 100 in the table compiled by payment provider Dojo, compared with 62.7 for top-placed Swansea and 56.2 for London, which came seventh.

Southampton’s population has grown by 1.8 per cent since 2015 and business start-ups have increased by 34.59 per cent. The report said its numbers of UK-born residents with a degree or equivalent rose 11.47l.

CO2 emissions per capita fell 14.63 per cent and the number of poor air quality days, measured from 2016 to 2019, fell by 18.

Housing affordability declined 5.15 per cent between 2016 and 2020, while house prices rose 9.31 per cent.

Internet connections rose 59.5 per cent from 2016-20. Economic output, measured by gross domestic product (GDP), rose 7.65 per cent from 2015 to 2018.

Jon Knott, head of customer insights at Dojo, said: “Over the last five years a lot has changed for us in our day to day lives.

“Whether our personal lives have undergone significant changes, or our professional lives have seen a shake up - much has had to adjust and evolve.

“The same goes for the constant growth and development of our local towns and cities.

“Every region across the UK has had to continuously adapt to meet the needs and demands of their residents.

“As communities expand, and new business ventures initiate growth in local economies, authorities have had to do more than ever to better the lives of their residents.

“Councils, campaigners and local officials have continued to strive to improve air quality in cities, open up wider housing options, and offer support for entrepreneurs and businesses.

“We want to celebrate these thriving cities that are providing their residents with the best opportunities to prosper.”

The top five cities consisted of Swansea, Exeter, Preston, Telford and York.

Behind Southampton in the top 10 were London, Newport, Blackpool and Liverpool.