Start-up numbers strong says bank

THE recession did not hamper the North West’s spirit of enterprise, figures suggested today.

In fact, statistics released by Barclays show that the number of new businesses opening last year rose on the 2007 total.

The number of new businesses opening with Barclays in 2008 was 55,800, up from 54,200 in 2007.

Paul Titterton, Barclays head of local business in the North West said: “These figures may seem surprising given the economic climate.  There could be a number of reasons for the robust start-up market, including individuals being made redundant having opted for self-employment. 

“We should also remember that there are always opportunities, even in more challenging times.”

In terms of percentage growth women outperformed in comparison to the regional average and overtook men.  Female-only starts ups across the region increased by 12% to 13,700 in 2008 compared to 13,000 in 2007.  Male-only start-ups showed a slight increase of less than 4%, to 38,900.