Boom time for new businesses in North West

MORE than 1,500 new companies were founded in Oldham last year, according to a new survey.

The report also says more companies were registered across Greater Manchester last year than in any previous year.

A total of 28,265 new companies were formed across Greater Manchester during 2015, an 11 per cent rise on the year before, according to new research by business software company Inform Direct.

This means there are now 156,025 firms in Greater Manchester, making it the most successful business hub outside London

Christian Spence, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s head of research and policy, recently spoke about the survey to Oldham members.

He said the service sector was driving the growth with strong consumer demand in the retail sector.

Digital and media businesses are also growing. Construction is strengthening - but employers are finding it hard to expand to meet demand. Over 75 per cent of employers are struggling to recruit.

Regarding retail, he said: “High streets have to offer more than just retail. Success is linked to villages and town centres becoming destinations through hospitality, bars and tourism.”