Harrogate chamber backs small businesses

Harrogate Chamber of Trade and Commerce has hailed this year as “the year of the start-up” and is offering a range of measures to boost burgeoning businesses.

President Sandra Doherty said small businesses are the “lifeblood” of many local economies, including Harrogate’s.

She said: “Statistics last year revealed that Harrogate was 16th in the country for new business creation, beating many cities with much larger populations.

“Setting up and running a business is something many people would love to do but they lack the confidence. We are aiming to support them as they establish themselves and begin to grow, giving them the best possible start.”

The chamber has launched a package of support for start-ups as part of its annual event, the Yorkshire Business Market.

The event, which takes place on April 27 at Pavilions of Harrogate, attracts more than 1,000 business visitors annually. This year it’s strapline is “support local, buy local, sell local”.

Small businesses can secure a stand at the event for the discounted rate of £220 plus VAT.

Local companies that sign up for chamber membership for 12 months from April 1 will also receive three months’ free.

According to figures from StartUp Britain, which is part of the Centre for Entrepreneurs, 1,946 businesses have already been founded in 2015.

Last year, Sheffield ranked seventh in the country for business creation, with 8,052 start-ups in 2014. Leeds was placed 12th with 6,778 companies launched.

A record total of 581,173 firms registered with Companies House, StartUp Britain said.