BUSINESSMEN and civic leaders spoke of their joy today after Worthing was named the most profitable town in Britain for the second year running.

New figures put Worthing at the top of the list of the most successful towns and cities in Britain - thanks to its large number of small,

high-tech computer firms.

The town headed a list of 285 towns and cities across the country, according to research by the global

information services company Experian.

Company spokesman Peter Brooker said Worthing's success in achieving an average profit margin of 24.7 per cent reflected a general upturn in the British economy.

Worthing beat off challenges from major financial centres like London and Newcastle to head the list for the second year.

The next Sussex town on the list is Eastbourne, coming 56th with a profit of 7.54 per cent, and Brighton came in with 6.73 per cent, in 68th place.

Last year, Worthing came first out of 250 key economic towns, beating near neighbours Brighton and London. Worthing had the highest average profit margin of 20.9 per cent.

Mr Brooker added: "Worthing is notable for its very large number of small, entrepreneurial companies in information technology, software and related industries, which have helped to create a thriving, hi-tech service economy in the town."

This year, Worthing came ahead of Llandudno, Redcar, (Cleveland) Whitby, Newbury, in Berkshire, Exeter, Perth, Paisley, Nuneaton and Reading in this year's survey.

Tim Preston, economic development officer at Worthing Borough Council, said: "This survey reflects the dedication and drive of business managers in the town and the

professionalism of the workforce.

"It shows that Worthing businesses can produce impressive results, despite a number of major constraints which the business community has quite rightly identified as inhibiting further growth.

"The council is committed to working with other agencies at local and regional level to overcome these problems and create the conditions in which existing and new businesses can flourish. Worthing is a great place to live and work."

Coun Brian McLuskie, mayor of Worthing, said: "I am very pleased

with the results of this survey and it reflects the hard work of the very many businesses we have here."

Coun Tim Dice, leader of the Conservatives, said: "It is very good news for Worthing. It proves that Worthing is a centre of excellence for business. The financial, technical and other sectors that Worthing houses have yet again done extremely well.

"This year, our new economic development and marketing committee will help to develop Worthing into an even better economic power base. Worthing is a modern town suited to modern, business needs."

Jim Christy, area manager of the Worthing branch of Sussex Enterprise, said: "It is great news for Worthing. This will be good for tourism. The town tends to get a downbeat image but I think this will help Worthing make a comeback.

"We have some excellent companies here like Daewoo and SmithKline Beecham and it is about time we got some recognition for our work."

Coun Andrew Garrett, deputy leader of the Conservative group at the council, said: " We are delighted that Worthing has been recognised as a great place to do business and long may it continue.

"As a council, it is important to support those businesses that do operate within the town and to see the benefits are filtering down to the local community."

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