ROSSENDALE has been listed as the most-improved area in the UK for business competitiveness.

Rossendale has been ranked 181 out of 379 local areas in the UK Competitive Index, and is listed as the biggest climber since a previous report in 2010.

The UK Competitiveness Index represents the most up-to-date, thorough and authoritative benchmarking of the competitiveness of the UK’s regions and localities.

Council leader Coun Alyson Barnes said: “This is more good news for Rossendale and shows that our policies to support businesses and regeneration across the borough are working.”

The index is developed independently by the Centre for International Competitiveness, based at Cardiff University.

Rossendale MP Jake Berry said: “This announcement is really putting Rossendale on the map as a great place to do business.”

Will Straw, Labour’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Rossendale, added: “We all know what a great place this is to do business, and it is great to see this being recognised at a national level.”