Wakefield Named In Top 20 For Business Growth

Wakefield has again been named as an improving region after it was named in the top 20 for active business growth in a UK wide survey. Though overall the survey showed a clear slowing in business growth across the UK some cities were found to be bucking the trend. Wakefield, building on the success of being one of the most competitive cities 2008, has again fared well with 116 new companies at a growth rate of 1.68%.

The survey, carried out by the Royal Mail, found that Northern England has performed the increasingly well, with the the top performers less affected by the current credit crunch. To view the list please click here.

Colin Bradshaw, Head of Data Strategy at Royal Mail, said:

"Royal Mail delivers to every address in the UK and is ideally placed to monitor the growth in business communities across the country.

"The current economic situation has created a challenging environment for businesses throughout the UK but we are pleased to see that the latest Business Barometer proves that many places are still doing well despite the downturn."

The 'Business Barometer' uses the Royal Mail's Business Changes File. Percentage growth is found by taking the number of start-up firms within a town or district and counting them as a proportion of the total firms within the location.

Councillor Peter Box, Leader of Wakefield Council, was pleased with the news:

“This is fantastic news. The resilience of Wakefield's business sector has once again been proved by the willingness of investors to enter the district. It shows that even as the economic slowdown bites that there are still opportunities available should backing be available, I hope others follow this example to improve the prospects for the city as we recover from the recession.”

Mohan de Silva, Chief Executive of Wakefield District Development Agency first said:

"This shows that Wakefield is becoming an increasingly attractive investment. The city a has great land and property portfolio, transport links and a highly skilled workforce. Despite the recession our business parks continue to fill, Key Development Areas continue to take shape and businesses continue to open within the district.

This is a strong endorsement for Wakefield that shows the resilliance of our local economy, it is recognition that the district is rightly proud of."