We need to take risks

Nov 7 2007 by Iain Laing, The Journal

THERE are 30,000 fewer businesses in the North-East than there should be if the region’s economy was punching its weight, a new report says.

Research by Tyne and Wear Research Information says there are just 46,000 businesses in the region when an area with its population should have more than 70,000.

There are, however, signs that the entrepreneurial spirit is taking hold as the region’s growth in new businesses is ahead of the UK average over the last five years.

Agencies in the region are involved in moves to create a more risk-taking culture in the North-East.

Carole Beverley, of North-East enterprise group the Entrepreneurs Forum, said: “The North-East is a great place for start-ups at the moment.”