MORE new companies were registered across the county last year than in any other year – with west Dorset experiencing a 33 per cent increase.

New figures have revealed there were 1,057 new firms registered in west Dorset during 2015 — up from 779 the previous year.

Richard Smith, president of Bridport Business Chamber, said: “I think as we continue to see slow recovery from the economic crisis, it is not surprising that many are trying to make their own success in starting a business. 

“The key, as always, is to ensure the long term viability of these businesses. 

“With organisations such as the Dorset Growth Hub there is no reason for a business to go without help when they need it and I recommend every business getting some outside help once in a while. 

“Overall I think it’s a great sign for the local economy and the more positively we engage with these new businesses the better the future will look for everyone.”

There were 7,791 new companies formed in Dorset in 2015 — up from 6,304 the year before.

This represents a 24 per cent growth – the largest percentage growth of any county in England.

It means there are now a record number of firms in the county with a total of 47,433 registered companies.

The statistics were compiled using data available from Companies House and the Office of National Statistics.

The data has also revealed that for the 12 months ending December 31, 2015, there were a record-breaking 612,565 firms formed across the United Kingdom — up from 586,784 the year before.

Henry Catchpole, managing director of Inform Direct, who compiled the research, said: “Our dynamic economy and business-friendly environment are the reasons there is a ‘Great’ in Great Britain.

“All around the world, governments are spending time and money to figure out the best way to foster an entrepreneurial culture that helps boost the economy.

“But here in the UK, our politicians can nurture this business mentality that has established itself organically.

“Of course London has always stormed ahead in business but our figures from 2015 demonstrate that the rest of the UK is also displaying a growing confidence in entrepreneurialism.

“Dorset has had a very successful year and the figures indicate a surge in entrepreneurialism in 2015 for this region.

“In fact the county has seen the largest percentage growth in the whole of England and the third largest in the UK, only behind Dundee and Fife in Scotland.”