Basingstoke is strategically located in the heart of Southern England. It lies some 45 miles South West of London, linked by the M3 motorway at junctions 6 & 7, and also served by a frequent rail service to and from Waterloo. The lower section of the M3 motorway ultimately provides a link to the South Coast ports. Basingstoke is a vibrant town with a strong economy, already home to a number of large international employers and support companies. In particular, it is highly ranked by the National Institute of Economic & Social Research, as being a popular destination for IT and digital companies.