With more than a million square feet of business accommodation, Kidlington, Britain's largest village, is fast becoming Oxford's leading business venue.

Companies from multinationals to start ups are attracted to the location, recognising the advantages of the association with Oxford yet benefiting from being out of town.

With an Oxford postcode and telephone number but without the high prices and congestion, it's easy to see why Kidlington has become so popular for a wide variety of companies and organisations including Mercedez-Benz, Thames Valley Police and the Learning and Skills Council.

Businesses are enjoying a pleasant working environment, good transport network and reasonable prices.

One of the most recent companies to settle in Kidlington has been Serotec, the research antibody division of MorphoSys, one of the world's leading antibody technology companies. Serotec has amalgamated all its UK operations and moved into Endeavour House, part of the Langford Business Park which covers almost 40,000 sq ft.

James Bernard, Serotec managing director said: "Kidlington and the surrounding area offers huge potential for science and technology companies.

"There is an experienced and highly qualified workforce and Oxford is internationally recognised for its universities and scientific institutions. It's good for Serotec to be associated with Oxford and Kidlington is a great venue for our UK headquarters."

Previously based at the Stationfields Industrial Estate, Serotec was keen to stay in the area.

Mr Bernard added: "The move is part of a very exciting expansion for the company which had outgrown the old premises and is set to grow further amid strong UK competition.

"We wanted to keep our base in Kidlington and Endeavour House, with its top specifications and state-of-the-art lab space was our first choice."

Serotec's move to Endeavour House leaves only one 11,000 sq ft building still available in the Langford Business Park and fully justifies Langford Developments investment in Kidlington as a business location.

John Roberts, Langford Developments' marketing director said: "We have been delighted with the way Kidlington has grown over the last five years.

"When we bought the site in spring 2000 we knew it had tremendous potential and it was only a matter of time before the advantages of the location were realised."

Other land development companies have also recognised the opportunities Kidlington offers and there is a now a diverse range of accommodation available and the potential for a lot more.

Christian Vecchione from Benedicts, joint agents for Oxford Office Village, based just off Langford Lane in Kidlington, said: "Oxford Office Village has been developed in response to the need for business units to offer versatile accommodation, easy access and proximity to Oxford but without the expense or inconvenience of the city centre.

"We have had a great response so far with seven out of eleven units sold or under offer."

Belgian chocolate manufacturer Guylian UK, moved into Oxford Office Village in April 2006.

The location was the principal consideration for Guylian as it is quick and convenient for staff to get to work and yet offers good access to the motorway network for business travel.

Managing director Kevin Toms said: "We had outgrown our premises in Station Road but wanted to stay in Kidlington.

"We sell to all the major multiples and independents which involves a lot of travel, so it's important to be in the right location.

"The area offers a good work/life balance.

The village location has all the advantages and amenities of the city but is less stressful."

The transport network is one of the principal benefits of Kidlington, being well serviced by road, rail, bus and air.

Few business locations can boast such close proximity to an active and thriving commercial airport and this factor is often cited as a primary consideration for business relocations and also encourages inward investment into an area.

With Oxford Airport being the only regional airport within 50 miles, being located right next door is considered to be a shrewd move for the longer term with the opportunities and growth in business air travel.

The attraction of working outside Oxford city centre is also evident in the recruitment market as employees welcome an easy commute, ample free parking and a convenient location.

Kate Allen, founder of Oxford recruitment consultants Allen Associates, is quick to stress the unique nature of the relationship between Kidlington and Oxford City centre.

She said: "Whether viewed from the perspective of employer or employee, it's really a unique location.

"Kidlington is close enough to Oxford, and still small enough not to be considered as an entirely separate town; yet it is by no means so small that it can simply be considered an Oxford suburb.

"It has its own character and a growing reputation for the excellence of the companies locating there and we have no difficulty attracting both recent graduates and those in senior positions to consider Kidlington as a future location.

"The combination of a lifestyle which allows a good work/life balance, high-tech progressive companies, outstanding career opportunities and high-quality housing and transport links means that we are increasingly placing candidates in jobs which, a few years ago, we would have had difficulty filling."