Cities should have greater control over their local infrastructure, education and training in a bid to boost economic growth, according to chief executive of the Centre for Cities, Alexandra Jones.

As the think-tank revealed the top cities where small firms are pushing economic growth and boosting the national economy, Ms Jones said it was ‘critical' to give cities the tools needed to help them build their businesses.

Cambridge, Edinburgh and Brighton topped the league in the latest Small Business Outlook report which reveals the places with the most firms with ‘high growth strategies'.