Figures from the bank show that 436,600 new firms were established during 2008, compared to 432,300 in 2007. Steve Cooper, local business managing director for Barclays, said: "There could be a number of reasons for the robust start-up market, including individuals made redundant opting for self-employment. We should also remember that there are always opportunities, even in more challenging times."

For more on this story go to:
http://www.newsroom.barclays.com/content/Detail.aspx?ReleaseID=1524&NewsAreaID=2