Bexleyheath tops profit table

Bexleyheath in London is the most profitable town in Britain, says Experian in its annual analysis of more than 100,000 small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in 400 towns and cities across Britain.

The average profit margin among companies in Bexleyheath increased from 13.5 per cent in

Potters Bar came in second position after its average profit margin increased from 8.7 per cent in 2000 to 14.0 per cent in 2001. The Hampshire towns of New Milton and Lymington also performed well, taking fourth and fifth spots respectively. Lymington did particularly well, with its average profit margin increasing from 5.0 per cent to 11.6 per cent. As a result, the town has moved 103 places up 'the league' since 2002.

The most profitable town in Scotland, and the third most profitable town in Britain, was Ayr, with an average profit margin of 13.1 per cent, up from 3.1 per cent in 2000. Caerphilly, which is a grant assisted area, was the most profitable town in Wales and 26th in the nationwide ranking after it increased its profit margin from 0.1 per cent in 2000 to 7.7 per cent in 2001.