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Shetland Isles lead the way in business start-ups

The Shetland Isles has become the most entrepreneurial area in Scotland, according to new research released today by The Committee of Scottish Clearing Banks (CSCB).

The area has seen an increase of 27% in the number of new businesses launched over 2008, the most recent statistics available show.

And Shetland is one of only two local authority areas in Scotland bucking the trend to show an increase in new business start-ups. Overall, the number of new businesses has decreased by 20% from 25,041 in 2007 to 20,028 in 2008.

East Lothian was the only other area to see an increase, but this was by just 1.8%.

Ceri Rogers, organiser of New Start Scotland, the country’s largest business support exhibition, said: “Despite the number of new businesses dropping, it is encouraging to see that over 20,000 new business ventures were launched in 2008 – the year of the credit crunch.

“This shows that, despite Scotland facing an economic downturn, the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in the many areas of the country.”

The areas that saw the largest drop were: Argyll & Bute (down 37%), Dumfries & Galloway (down 34%), Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (down 34%) and Clackmannanshire (down 33%).

Glasgow saw a decrease of 22.5% and new starts in Edinburgh were down seven percent.

And the organisers of New Start Scotland are gearing up for their busiest year ever when the event returns to the SECC on 27th and 28th March.

With over 120 exhibitors and 50 seminars, this is set to be the biggest show yet. Over 8,000 business hopefuls are expected to descend upon the SECC, all keen to turn their business dreams into reality.

Sir Tom Farmer, this year’s key speaker at New Start Scotland, said: “Running a successful business through 2009 is not going to be easy. The looming recession brings a new set of financial hurdles that can trip even the best run businesses. But it is not all bad news, opportunities for substantial growth exist for the companies who are best placed and best prepared to seize them. There has never been a more important time to get the right advice for your business.”

With the Federation of Small Businesses estimating that around 85 small businesses a day are closing, the New Start organisers also hope to appeal to those who have been made redundant to think about setting up their own venture, rather than looking for employment elsewhere.

As well as the opportunity to gather all the advice and guidance needed to launch a business with a bang, this year New Start Scotland will be focusing on providing support for those struggling to survive the recession.

And one lucky fledgling entrepreneur will walk away with £30,000 of business support services, including £5,000 cash to turn their business dreams into reality.

Free tickets are available at www.newstartscotland.com or call 0800 634 3400.

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