NEWLY-released figures show York had more active business in 2014 compared to any other year since 2009 despite recording the highest number of business 'deaths' for the same period.

In figures released by the Office for National Statistics this week, which analysed the number of business "births" and "deaths" in the city over six years, York's latest data for 2014 showed 710 businesses ceased trading.

The figure was 110 higher than the previous year, and 75 above the six-year high of 635 in 2012.

However, at the same time, 2014 also saw the largest number of active business, standing at 7,115, compared to the previous high of 6,845 the year before.

While business "birth" rates were not released for 2014, 2013's figures showed 945 start-ups, following a steady year on year increase from 570 in 2009.

Local authority business support this year transferred to City of York Council's new destination management company Make it York, which described rising death rates as "a concern" which "needs to be monitored".

Charles Storr, business services manager at Make It York, said: "There can be any number of reasons why a business may stop trading. Factors could include difficulties in accessing funding, increasing business costs, a change in direction, personal circumstances and so on.

"The number of business closures is always a concern and needs to be monitored and we’re working in partnership across the city to help ensure every business has the very best chance of success.

"However, when the number of new businesses has increased, it’s important for us to monitor too the percentage closure rate, which for 2014 showed a 0.44 per cent increase which equates to around 31 businesses. That said, every single business is important for York.

"Sectors enjoying strong success in York include bioscience, rail, creative and digital, tourism and IT."

Mr Storr said since its introduction earlier this year, Make It York has introduced a number of business support activities such as: access to finance and mentors, training and workshops, guidance on how to grow your business, free skills training, help on how to export and a comprehensive live data feed on available premises.

It has also set up a new Share My Office initiative to assist businesses starting out to rent affordable space within existing companies.

He added: "It’s very good news that 2014 saw the highest number of active businesses in York than over the previous six years. This has got to be a sign of confidence in the city and in doing business here. What we need to do now is help to ensure that even more of these businesses continue to flourish."