OXFORD and Cambridge boast two of the best-performing consumer sectors in the UK, according to research which also predicted a bright future for the cities in the coming months.

Produced by national law firm Irwin Mitchell and the Centre for Economics and Business Research, the Consumer Powerhouse special report provides an estimate of growth in goods and services and job creation within key cities across the UK with a focus on the retail, leisure, tourism and food and drink industries.

Published this month the report revealed that employment in Oxford’s consumer sector grew by 2.8 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2017, with the growth being the fourth best recorded in the UK across the period.

Cambridge followed just two places behind in sixth after the workforce in its consumer sector rose by 2.6 per cent.

Victoria Brackett, chief executive officer of Irwin Mitchell’s business legal services division, said: “Our latest report makes very good reading for the UK’s most famous university towns.

“Both Oxford and Cambridge are not only experiencing growth in the consumer sector, but in other industries too, which in turn will be driving consumer spending.

“The report also notes how Oxford is the city with the most open space which can be used for active leisure, and also dedicated active leisure facilities.

“Tourists and residents alike can use these spaces to take part in group activities and sports.”

Looking ahead, the report forecast that Oxford and Cambridge would see further rises in their employment growth level in the consumer sector across the fourth quarter in 2018.

For more information visit the website irwinmitchell.com