New business start-ups rise by a third

Date: 23rd January 2009

Small firms are defying the economic downturn with news that new business start-ups have risen by a third in the last year.

That's according to statistics published by Barclays Local Business, which found that 33 per cent more business start-ups were launched last year compared to 2007, despite the onset of the financial crisis.

The investigation - which focused specifically on Cumbria - suggests that small businesses remain optimistic in the face of recession.

North-west regional director for Barclay Local Business, Paul Titterton, commented: "Today's numbers reflect the confidence and faith entrepreneurs have in themselves and their business, even during this time of economic uncertainty."

Business-starts up looking for support and advice on how to best survive the recession should consider speaking to a local accountant.

Elsewhere, small firms are busy preparing for the upcoming deadline for self-assessment tax returns, with all submissions due online by January 31st.