NEW statistics have been produced outlining the impact of local authority efforts upon Harrogate's economy.

The data, produced by Harrogate Borough Council as part of its 'Strong Local Economy Annual Review, revealed that between April 1 last year and March 31 2014, the authority helped to secure more than £1.1 million of grant investment for businesses.

A total of 181 one-to-one start-up business support sessions were held through the Enterprise Gateway, as well as 29 business workshops and four Chartered Institute seminars.

The council engaged with 60 businesses through the Key Account Management programme, received 222 property enquiry searches on the Commercial Sites and Premises web database, and directly supported the retention of more than 90 jobs in the district over the period.

Councillor Richard Cooper, leader of Harrogate Borough Council, said: "The council has been working hard to develop a strong local economy.

"We have created an environment that supports economic growth and the creation of new jobs, helps people to start up and stay in business and encourages businesses to move to the district.

"We are also working hard to increase Harrogate’s profile on the national and international stage and increase our share of the tourism market.

"Tourism has been boosted with Visit Harrogate working tirelessly to bring the district together under a unified brand, attracting and increasing the number of visitors across the whole district.

"The Tour de France Grand Depart put the region on the international stage, while special exhibitions across our museums and galleries, and new events such as the Gilbert & Sullivan Festival, have led to more and more people discovering this magnificent part of the world."