On the eve of the second Slush’D start-up conference in Liverpool this week new data shows the number of registered businesses in the city region is at a record level. Tony McDonough reports

There are now more than 92,000 businesses across the six boroughs of Liverpool city region, new data reveals.

That is more than double the number in the city region compared to 20 years ago. The total in 2024 stands at 92,610 according to data specialist Beauhurst.

This figure was released as Liverpool gets set to host the second annual Liverpool Slush’D 24 start-up conference. It takes place from 9am to 11pm on Thursday, September 19, at Content in Stanhope Street.

First held in 2023, Liverpool Slush’D brings together early-stage tech founders, investors and supporting professional services under one roof. It has been called a “celebration of entrepreneurial grit”.

Founded by a group of students in Helsinki 15 years ago as a grassroots meetup for early-stage tech founders, the Slush concept evolved to become a major annual event, attracting the biggest names in the start-up and investment community.

It aims to foster a tight-knit community of innovators and investors, and tackle the bottlenecks that hinder local start-ups from reaching their full potential. It is credited with having led to “exponential economic gains” for Helsinki.

According to Beauhurst, the rise in Liverpool city region ventures is being driven by sectors including fintech, AI, e-commerce, and renewable energy.

This year, Liverpool Slush’D features speakers including Secret Millionaire ‘Dragon’ Piers Linney and Sir Robin Saxby, the former chief executive of the world’s most successful processor company.

Its theme—Liverpool’s Blueprint for Resilient Growth—is designed to highlight how local start-ups are transforming challenges into opportunities for expansion.

Jonathon Clark, director of Liverpool Slush’D and a successful digital entrepreneur, said: ‘Despite the challenging economic climate, there’s incredible momentum driving enterprise forward.

“In the months ahead, we hope the government steps up to support our city region and unlock the untapped potential to boost our local economy.

“This isn’t just about more investment. With the public sector making up nearly 50% of the UK’s GDP, current procurement rules are sidelining the startups and SMEs that fuel innovation and community wealth.

“It’s time to fix this imbalance. Homegrown businesses deserve a fair shot to compete and thrive. We urge the government to seize this opportunity to drive growth and strengthen the economy by backing the SMEs that power real progress.”

Baltic Ventures, the Gold Sponsor of Liverpool Slush’D 2024, will be unveiling its ACCELERATOR 2024 cohort live at the event. A selection of top up-and-coming startups will be pitching to investors in the audience, facilitated by Gateway Angels.

Claire Lewis, chief executive of Baltic Ventures, added: “This is yet another piece of data showing the positive economic momentum in Liverpool city region and confirming the entrepreneurial talent base that is here and is being attracted to this region.

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“Entrepreneurs are building innovative businesses across multiple sectors illustrating the depth of the region’s growing economic strength.

“It’s imperative that we are able to continue this momentum by ensuring these businesses have access to the investment funding they need to scale and grow.”