The town of Hook in north-east Hampshire is close to Basingstoke, and has direct rail links with London and Southampton.

While the town itself is relatively small, its economy does not reflect this fact, with a growing economy in the area thanks to the arrival of a number of significantly-sized firms, making Hook far more than just a commuter village.

Major employers in Hook

Just a short distance from Hook's centre is Bartley Wood Business Park, which is home to Virgin Media Inc - the UK's biggest provider of cable television. Recruitment agencies in the area often advertise opportunities at big employers, such as HP, BMW Group Financial Services, Serco and Trimble Navigation. The relatively new Holt Park residential area saw the expansion of Hook further - bringing with it more potential staff members and a growing population.

Employment figures show this area is faring well, with 82.2% of people in work. Those in professional occupations far outweigh the national average, and the number of residents in higher-level jobs, such as Directors and Executives, are also above the UK norm.

Hook is an attractive, easily-accessible and affluent town, which may explain part of the attraction for large companies looking for extra space without the added city costs, yet still within reaching distance of the capital.