Halton Falling Behind

A recent report drawn up by Holland & Co Chartered Accountants shows that Halton is falling behind both the National average and North West average of businesses per 1,000 people in the population.

The number of business in England per 1,000 people averages at 39.1 compared the North West figure of 34.0 However Halton comes in at only 26.9 which is significantly less than many other areas.

Quote from Nigel Holland:

“Although we have recently seen an upturn in new businesses in Widnes and Runcorn there would need to be an extra 850 extra businesses in Halton for Widnes and Runcorn to match the North West average.

People are encouraged to set up on their own but there a series of factors which are preventing them from doing so. These factors can be classified into 3 main categories:

• ·        Lack of capital – often there are initial set up costs which new businesses must incur.
• ·        Fear of the unknown – some one who has never run their own business below often does not know what to expect.
• ·        Insufficient information and training on how a business should be set up and operated efficiently.”

In an attempt to help local businesses deal with their concerns about setting up in business, Holland & Co Chartered Accountants are running free work shops which are aimed at people who need a little assistance in dealing with the complex red tape and tax rules.