THE Yorkshire region had one of the poorest records for business start-ups in England and Wales in the first quarter of this year, according to research published by Barclays today.

Only ten businesses were formed for every thousand people in the region aged between 16 and 59. That represents just half of what was achieved in London, was equalled by the North West and was better only than the North East represented by Northumberland and Durham which had just eight start-ups per thousand.

...but fewer failures

BUSINESS failures in Yorkshire dropped sharply by 25 per cent in May, according to latest statistics published today by professional services firm Deloitte & Touche.

The total number of receiverships and administration appointments in the region dropped to 20 from 25 last month. Nationally receiverships rose by more than nine per cent from 143 to 157 and are 25 per cent higher than the same period last year.