Should I change host?

I am a uk based business, I logged into google and configured my site to reflect this, but my host is based in the US. I have more backlinks, anchor text on page seo etc than my competition and they are still ouranking me. One thing i have noticed though, they have a .co.uk domain (mine is .net), more UK links and their hosting company is based here. Do you guys think this is the key to beating them. I can certainly change my host to the UK. do you think I will see a rise in serps.

All help will be appreciated.

Your IP address makes a big difference in local rankings, but also does the domain name. If they already have the .co.uk, the best thing you can do is to switch to a UK based host and it will make a difference. I have noticed significant improvements in local rankings by changing to a local host alone.