Expert Calls For New Figures To Be Built Upon

By Rob Dixon

A top business lawyer in Yorkshire has welcomed new figures which have shown an increase in entrepreneurial activity in the region, but urged local authorities to ensure support is available that means such momentum can continue to build.

According to the Barclays Entrepreneurs Index, Yorkshire is the fifth-biggest region in the UK and Ireland for entrepreneurial activity, with the number of companies seeing shareholder changes increasing by 19 per cent in the second half of 2012.

The industrial sector was specifically pinpointed as the sector which saw the most entrepreneurial activity over the period analysed.

Paul Firth, a leading business lawyer and Regional Managing Partner of Irwin Mitchell’s Sheffield office, welcomed the new figures. He outlined: “We are strong believers that entrepreneurs and small businesses have a key role to play in boosting the economy and providing some of the innovation which will help the UK out of these difficult times.

“It is very positive to see these new figures emerge in Yorkshire and we hope that every step can be taken to continue to build on this momentum to improve the figures even further in the coming months.

“Impressive figures for the industrial sector also highlight the continued skills base and expertise which exist in Sheffield and the region as a whole, proving once again that the local area remains a powerhouse in this industry.

“The government and local authorities have a vital part to play in fostering this growth through providing the best possible support to entrepreneurs to ensure they have the skills and know-how to develop their ideas into fully-fledged businesses and beyond.”

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