NEW figures show that the number of businesses in the region reached a record high last year – despite ongoing economic challenges posed by the pandemic.

There were 22,140 new companies registered in West Yorkshire during 2021, taking the total to 141,120.

And of the region's five local authority districts, Bradford saw the second-highest number of new companies – 5,153, which took the total to 29,017.

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

John Korchak, operations director with Inform Direct, said: "It is excellent news to see so many new businesses being started in West Yorkshire, a trend which has propelled the county to a record number of resident companies.

"West Yorkshire boasts an active economy, demonstrated by this latest increase in the number of businesses. Entrepreneurs are clearly motivated to invest in new businesses which meet current and emerging demands for goods or services. The overall picture for the UK as a whole is also an optimistic one, with the total number of companies now exceeding five million for the first time."

To see the full report, visit informdirect.co.uk/company-formations-2021.