Based on 20 factors that can drive private business competitiveness and success for towns and cities including enterprise, talent, connectivity, cost and well-being, the index is a comprehensive study of the largest 74 conurbations in the UK as well as 32 London boroughs.

Corporations such as Mini have brought wealth and jobs to the area and sales of the Cowley built iconic car have reached an all-time global high this month. In response to business demand a new hotel is earmarked for the area and DHL are hoping to open a new courier base nearby. Indeed these are not the signs of a depressed recession-hit county but one that is progressive and forward thinking.

Another business tapping into Oxfordshire potential is house builder Millgate. Developing their first eight homes in Marcham near Abingdon in early 2012 these luxury homes sold out in less than six months. Millgate went on to construct four further country mansions in Oxford’s exclusive Boar’s Hill area. This elite development was unique to the area as there has been almost zero new home construction in Oxford for the past couple of years – especially at the top end of the market where these homes sit.

Once again sales have been swift and just one of the four stunning homes, Highview Manor, remains. Featured in the Daily Telegraph, Oxfordshire Life and the Financial Times, this gorgeous house is now being considered for a prestigious Evening Standard New Homes Award 2013 for best luxury home.

Due to the success at Boars Hill, Millgate remained committed to the appeals of south Oxfordshire recently completing a third development at nearby Hinksey Hill. Named as one of the Top 20 places to live in the UK by Knight Frank, it is an area favoured by families for its easy commute into the city yet retaining all the benefits of a country location, Hinksey Hill is somewhat of a hidden gem.

Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director at Millgate, comments on the house builder’s achievements to date and plans for the future,

“Being based in Berkshire, Oxfordshire was virgin territory for us but after quickly establishing the high demand but lack of supply for luxury detached family homes which Millgate excel in building, it has been a hugely positive move. I have been delighted at the reaction buyers have had to our developments and indeed the Evening Standard New Homes Award we received last year for Beech House at Boars Hill.”

The Evening Standard best luxury home hopeful is Highview Manor. The Manor house is set in the grounds of former Warnborough College, believed to be the very first mansion to be built on Boars Hill.

The property has commanding views to the North over the Preservation Trust land towards the Oxford Spires and to the South backing onto ancient woodland and to the Downs beyond.

This inspired Georgian style mansion is set within south facing grounds in excess of four acres. The accommodation, set over four floors is large and spacious combining the splendour of a traditional country manor house with modern 21^st century conveniences.

Highview Manor comprises: a drawing room, dining room, study, kitchen, family room, orangery/breakfast room, games room, five bedrooms and five en-suites, an indoor swimming pool, leisure zone, cinema, wine cellar, gymnasium, all weather tennis court and pavilion, four car garage and courtyard.

The house also benefits from a detached cottage with kitchen/breakfast room, living room and two bedrooms.

Also awaiting a hopeful accolade from The Evening Standard for best family home is Rushton House, one of four country homes built on Hinksey Hill. This is a superb three storey, detached house set in half an acre plot of mature gardens.

Designed for modern family living. A magnificent open plan kitchen/family room extends the full length of the house including an orangery that is flooded with light.

Upstairs the expansive master-suite includes a walk-in fitted dressing room, a luxurious en-suite and a large private timber decked terrace. A guest suite and a further two double bedrooms and family bathroom complete this floor. The second floor has the fifth bed with en-suite shower room and a spacious games room offers flexibility of use.

For more information contact Millgate on 0118 934 3344or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk.