Business is booming in South Lanarkshire
South Lanarkshire is outstripping London when it comes to new business start-ups.
Some 163 new South Lanarkshire-based companies registered with Companies House in the three months to September.
Those new businesses made up 5.4 per cent of all firms in the area - higher than London, where the figure was 4.9 per cent.
Hi s a s h i Ku b o y ama , development manager at the Lanarkshire branch of the Federation of Small Businesses ( FSB), said: “These are encouraging figures, indicating that Lanarkshire is one of Britain’s business hot-spots.
“Lanarkshire has some competitive edge due to its relatively lower setting up cost than places like Edinburgh and Glasgow.
“Good transport links to these cities could be another factor which makes Lanarkshire attractive to new businesses.
“We know that banks’ business lending is up in Lanarkshire, despite a recent UK- wide dip. Our local branch is growing too, making it one of the best performing areas in the UK.
“Although challenges such as poor digital connectivity and increasing labour cost still remain, Lanarkshire economy may be regaining some confidence.
“We offer our members exclusive benefits including free legal advice line, pension solution and competitive business insurance.
“They are all meant to protect businesses and help them grow. Working with other organisations including Business Gateway and North and South Lanarkshire Councils, we also help members gain access to business support such as funding and employment, which are vital for businesses to grow and thrive.”
According to Companies House there are 12,461 companies in South Lanarkshire, with 649 (5.4 per cent) starting up in the three months to September.
Across Scotland as a whole 8694 companies registered with Companies House, the UK’s official registrar of businesses, working out as 4.1 per cent of all businesses.
Lanarkshire has some competitive edge due to its relatively lower setting up cost than places like Edinburgh and Glasgow -