Worcestershire is one of the top places in the UK for the number of new business start-ups.
The County has been ranked 18th in the whole of the country for the number of new firms starting out in 2017.
In total, there were 7,804 new businesses formed in Worcestershire, which brings the total number of businesses registered in the county up to 38,764, according to new figures released by the Inform Direct UK Review of Company Formations The 2017 figure is up by 15.9 per cent, or 1,200 businesses, compared to 2016.
The latest stats reinforce the fact that Worcestershire has one of the fastest growing economies in the entire country and it remains Worcestershire County Council’s aim to ensure the county remains ‘Open for Business’.
Councillor Ken Pollock, Cabinet Member responsible for Economy and Infrastructure, said: “We strive towards becoming an entrepreneurial county.
“An increase in new companies across the county proves that Worcestershire is still Open for Business and hence a great place to invest.
“It’s imperative that new businesses have the support they need to survive and grow. A growing local economy will enable us to invest more in those areas that our residents and businesses tell us are most important to them.”
Of the 7,804 new businesses registered in the county, Bromsgrove saw the biggest increase, followed by Wychavon, Worcester, Redditch, Wyre Forest and Malvern Hills.
The County Council has a number of support programmes for new businesses. For example, the Enterprising Worcestershire programme offers support to enable start-up and early stage enterprises to develop and prosper.
Enterprising Worcestershire, which is managed by the County Council and part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, offers ongoing support to new businesses. The programme has a range of workshops to provide new businesses with the knowledge to help business thrive. Grants are also available and a number have already been awarded to early stage enterprises in the county.
Based in Bromsgrove, creative services agency Studio B61 signed up for the Enterprising Worcestershire programme in August 2017.
Sian Conway, Studio B61 joint business owner said: “Thanks to Enterprising Worcestershire we have expanded our service offering and can compete against some of the larger marketing agencies who have state of the art equipment.
“We also have ongoing mentoring so we know that support is there when we need it.”
For help and advice setting up a new business in Worcestershire, visit the Enterprising Worcestershire pages on our website