Record number of start-ups in Warwickshire

"It has long been our commitment at Warwickshire County Council to support start ups in every was we can. I would urge anyone considering starting a business, or in the early stages of running one, to get in touch and see how we can help.”

More new businesses were established in Warwickshire during 2022 than in any previous year to date, making it one of the UK’s most successful counties. 

A total of 5,540 new formations were registered in Warwickshire in 2022, an increase of 8.3% on 2021 when 5,117 were recorded. This brings the number of registered companies in the county to an all-time high of 42,564. 

The statistics are taken from the Inform Direct Review of Company Formations, using data from Companies House and the Office for National Statistics. 

Warwick formed the highest number of new businesses (1,513), followed by Stratford-on-Avon (1,438) and Rugby (991). 

John Korchak, Managing Director at Inform Direct said: “It is great that Warwickshire can celebrate a record year for the number of new businesses established. The last few years have been turbulent for businesses, with inflation and a cautious economic outlook following the impact of the pandemic. However, in these figures we see evidence of the ambition, creativity and resilience of entrepreneurs in Warwickshire, as well as the benefits from the county’s support for a range of enterprises.” 

Warwickshire County Council has played a significant part in the surge of new businesses. It offers support via its Start-up programme, delivered by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the Council, and Coventry and Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust’s JumpStart programme. It also offers support to tech-based start-ups via the Business Ready programme with University of Warwick Science Park and loans for start-up and early stage businesses via its Local Communities & Enterprise Fund.

WCC’s Start-up programme and Business Ready, part of the CW Business: Start, Grow and Scale Programme, have supported 500 businesses under 24 months old and individuals starting a business, while Jumpstart has supported a further 225 individuals. 

Warwickshire County Council’s Lead Commissioner for Business & Economy, Matthew Epps, said: “It is great news that so many new businesses are launching in Warwickshire and shows that the spirit of entrepreneurialism for which the county is renowned remains as vibrant as ever. 

“It is long been our commitment at Warwickshire County Council to support start ups in every was we can. I would urge anyone considering starting a business, or in the early stages of running one, to get in touch and see how we can help.”  

The start-up programme is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, forming part of the CW Business: Start, Grow and Scale programme. It is also funded by Warwickshire County Council and all five district and borough councils.

* To find out about the Council’s support for new and start-up businesses, please visit: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/setting-moving-business-warwickshire/start-business