Recent data indicates that the number of businesses registered in Worcestershire reached a record high last year.

According to statistics from the Inform Direct Review of Company Formations, a total of 4,808 new businesses were registered in the region, resulting in an all-time high of 45,794 companies.

This is a rise of 4.2 per cent compared to 43,964 businesses present at the end of 2022.

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Within the county, the districts demonstrating the highest number of new companies were Wychavon (994), Wyre Forest (987) and Worcester (855).

John Korchak, managing director at Inform Direct, said: "It is really good news that Worcestershire can celebrate a record number of companies.

"The year undoubtedly presented a range of challenges for business including tepid predictions of economic growth, volatility in energy prices and uncertainty from world events.

"But while the number of new company formations in Worcestershire actually fell slightly in 2023 versus 2022, more companies were formed than dissolved.

"This shows the resilience of Worcestershire businesspeople, keeping their companies afloat in a challenging year."

The UK also saw the highest ever number of companies, with the total number of UK businesses reaching 5,476,772, and UK company formations hitting 900,006 in 2023.