Preston leads way as Lancashire proves a hub for start-up businesses

Preston led the way, with the more company formations than anywhere else in the county.

Research produced by Inform Direct shows that the number had increased on 2019’s figures, despite the pandemic.

Ninety eight per cent of the companies formed were private limited companies, with two per cent coming from other structures, such as PLCs, LLPs, and CICs.

There are now almost 84,000 registered businesses in the county, according to the report, a year-on-year increase of 7.4 per cent .

Babs Murphy, CEO of the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said: “While the exact implications of COVID-19 on business and the economy at large is still uncertain, Lancashire’s innovative and entrepreneurial spirit endures.

“It’s a tough task to start a venture in today’s competitive market and its pleasing to see Lancashire, and in particular Preston, are major hubs for entrepreneurs to do business.

“The Chamber plays an important role in creating start-up businesses by delivering the right policy incentives and business environment, both of which are critical in helping start-up communities grow and thrive.”

Mark Whittle of Preston Business Improvement District, said: “Preston is a great place to live, invest, work and visit.

“2020 was a challenging year and we are yet to see the full effects of the pandemic.

“However, it’s with welcome optimism that we see Preston being the leading place to invest in a new enterprise, in the county – and for businesses considering their growth plans, there’s no better place than the city centre."

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