Gloucester has been named the best city in the UK to start a remote business.

The city topped the list compiled by payment provider Dojo, beating Norwich and Southampton with Exeter (12th) and Plymouth (14th) the only other South West city in the leading 20.

The list was compiled using an index which considered population size, start-up survival rate and average salaries, as long as key remote working factors such as broadband speed, the number of post offices and rental costs.

The report said of Gloucester: "With monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment coming in at £558 and a respectable average broadband speed of 39MB, self-starters should be on track to turn their bedroom into a business.

"The city has one of the lowest unemployment rates out of all the regions we analysed, meaning the demographic's disposable income and the local economy is stable.

"Businesses that start up there have very high survival rates as the city offers a supportive environment for all sectors to grow."

Stonehouse based Lister Unified Communications specialises in remote working communications for businesses big and small - whether it be voice communications, telephone systems or IT.

Sales manager Simon Gardner said: "You can set up a base in the UK, not have an office and be anywhere in the world. You don't need an office.

"What haven't I been able to do through the lockdowns? I've got a secure laptop, I've got my mobile phone and my desk phone.

"With the technological ability to set up and run a business literally anywhere, at anytime, Gloucester is a great place to start your business journey."

The sudden shift to remote working as the pandemic hit has seen Lister fielding calls from businesses learning to adapt to a new way of doing things.

To find out more visit https://www.lister-communications.co.uk or call 01453 829 200.