A record 10,617 new businesses were registered in Merseyside in 2016 compared to 9,857 in 2015 according to the latest data. Tony McDonough reports.

New figures show the number of registered companies in Merseyside has passed 60,000 for the first time after a record number of new business formations in 2016.

A total of 10,617 new businesses were registered in Merseyside in 2016 compared to 9,857 in 2015.

The statistics come from the Inform Direct Review of UK Company Formations, using data from Companies House and the Office of National Statistics.

Across the UK as a whole, there were a record-breaking 664,720 companies formed – up from 612,565 in 2015. The number of UK companies now stands at 3,962,909.

Of the 601,418 formations in England, 209,869 were in London. 35,502 companies were formed in Scotland, 15,795 in Wales and 7,389 in Northern Ireland.

John Korchak, director of operations at Inform Direct said: “These figures underline the positive entrepreneurial culture that fosters new company formations and drives economic growth.

“So far, at least, we’re not seeing evidence that the Brexit vote has dented confidence among those considering starting up in business.

“Merseyside again delivered an impressive number of new companies in 2016, demonstrating that it offers a fertile environment for new businesses to spring up and prosper.”

To see a more detailed picture of company formations in Merseyside – including a full local breakdown, click here.