The number of new business start-ups launching with the help of North Somerset Enterprise Agency (NSEA) has got off to a strong start in 2014, with 39 new businesses launched and 44 new jobs created in the period January to March, latest figures show.
Recent business start-ups in North Somerset have included an aromatherapy business, a property maintenance company, an on-line crafts retailer, a hairdressing business, a landscaping company, a domiciliary care provider, a bathrooms and tiling business and a gift hamper retailer.
Meanwhile, of the businesses launched in the same period last year, 33 of the 38 businesses who started out between January and March 2013 are still trading successfully.
Reflecting over a longer period of three years – thetime during which start-ups are traditionally seen to become ‘established’ – of the 27 new businesses that started up in January to March 2011 with the help of NSEA, at least 22 are still flourishing.
Thelatest statistics follow on from a successful year for North Somerset start-up businesses in 2013, during which 170 new businesses launched with North Somerset Enterprise Agency’s help and 217 new jobs were created.
North Somerset Enterprise Agency is a not-for-profit organisation with social objectives whose aim is to stimulate, encourage and support local enterprise, helping to create a healthy local economy. It acts as a “one-stop-shop” and a steady supportive pair of hands to help entrepreneurs and small business owners with every aspect of running their organisations and has an experienced, knowledgeable and locally-based team of advisors in place to provide impartial and confidential support and low-cost training.
North Somerset Enterprise Agency’s Chief Executive Angela Hicks says thatnew business confidence is high.
“We are delighted to report a strong start to the year in terms of start-up numbers and also that we have a steady flow of potential business-owners talking to us about how we might support them in launching their businesses this year.” Angela says.
“Following a year in which the UK’s new business numbers swelled by more than half a million, business ambition is clearly remaining high, which is great news for the local and national economies as new companies create jobs and, in turn, wealth.
“We are thrilled that so many local businesses are choosing to start out with information, advice and support under their belts, as research shows this is the best approach to creating a sustainable business.
“With our own business development centre, The Hive, opening its doors at Weston Business Quarter next month which will enable us to support new and growing businesses with more facilities and services in addition to our ongoing free or low-cost business advice, support and training, 2014 is already looking to be a great year for North Somerset business enterprise.”
