2019: A record year for start-up formation

How was 2019 for you? For many UK businesses, last year was tough in terms of confidence, but it didn’t slow down entrepreneurial activity – quite the opposite. Analysis just released by the Centre for Entrepreneurs of Companies House data shows a record 681,704 businesses were formed last year in the UK. A further look at the figures shows that the equivalent of five new tech start-ups launched every hour – or 45,000 new technology-based businesses in total.

Birmingham and Manchester, two of Harper James’ national locations, lead the charge on regional business formation, indicating the northern powerhouse is thriving when it comes to start-up development. In fact, the north west is the third most entrepreneurial region in the UK after London and the South East.

Harper James has long been a champion of business start-ups and entrepreneurial activity. We’ve helped hundreds of start-ups get over the hurdles of formation, funding rounds and finance. As a start-up ourselves, offering legal advice and support to early and seed stage businesses is one of our founder and CEO Toby Harper’s core principles. Toby commented: “It’s really encouraging to hear that a record number of start-ups found their feet in 2019. It’s no surprise that the entrepreneurial spirit is so strong in the north where we have a dedicated presence. We’re proud to be able to offer so many start-ups business legal support to guide them on their founding journeys.”

Is your business looking to step up a gear in 2020? Have you heard of Innovate UK’s new Smart Grants funding programme – your business could access grants of between £25,000 and £2 million.