NEW figures show that the town of Slough is battling with the big boys economically.

The research by the Centre for Cities, an organisation who assess economic growth across the country, shows that Slough is second only to London when it comes to productivity.

According to the figures, each job in Slough is generating an average of £71,600 for the UK economy - a gross value added (GVA) 30 per cent above the national average.

Slough is also ranked third in the country for successful business start-ups and ninth for patents published.

The town is also a major contributor to the export market, coming third in the country for the amount of exports per job.

Councillor Sohail Munawar, leader of the council, said: “This report shows once again that Slough means business.

“Not only the big headquarters we are known for, but the up and coming small businesses, the entrepreneurs, the innovators.

“And we will continue to work with our businesses of all sizes, help our residents get into the tens of thousands of jobs they provide and encourage innovation to truly cement our place as the economic boom town of the South East.”

The Centre for Cities report also ranks Slough seventh for weekly wages – with an average weekly workplace wage of £588 – one of only 18 cities paying more than the national average.

Councillor Munawar added: “A booming local economy benefits our residents in so many ways – not least all in employment."