A new report looking at the impact of the recession has revealed that while the county has been hit by redundancies and a substantial slump in the housing market, there has been an increase in people asking for advice on starting their own business.

Since February 2008, another 8,824 people have registered as unemployed, taking the county total to 16,780.

However, the report by the Northamptonshire Enterprise Limited (NEL) also revealed there is a record low number of people not in education, employment or training and a marked increase of youngsters in full-time education.

Local authorities, businesses and individuals say they have been pulling out all the stops to boost the economy and support new businesses.

The Newlands shopping centre in Kettering is teaming up with Business Link to encourage more businesses to the town centre.

They will run a Dragons’ Den style contest and the winner will be given a unit in the Newlands for two months, free of any fees, to nurture their project.

Manager and chairman of Kettering Chamber of Trade Neil Griffin said: “We are doing this because we want to encourage new businesses.”

He said that although it wasn’t the best climate it wasn’t all negative.

He said: “Last week, for some reason, footfall was up by eight per cent.

“And talking to travel agents, it seems they are doing well. It seems people are still booking their holidays, even if it’s just one big holiday a year instead of maybe three.”

Towns in the area have proven they are prepared to invest in and support small businesses in a bid to kick-start the economy.

Kettering has just seen Chesham House in Lower Street open, which provides units for small and growing businesses, while Corby is due to get a new indoor market which will also provide units for fledgling and small companies.

Work will also begin on an £8.3m enterprise centre in Corby this summer.

Deputy leader of Corby Council Mark Pengelly said: “It was a big decision to have the enterprise centre but once it is up and running it will be able to provide units for small business, as well as offer them help and support which will help fight the recession.”

Stuart Milnes set up a market stall selling jewellery in Kettering six weeks ago.

He said: “People are struggling, but it can depend on the business.

“We are not doing too badly and we have managed to arrange to attend a number of events where we can trade in the summer, which is good.”

He said he wasn’t too worried about starting his business in the current climate.

Chef lecturer at Tresham Institute John Fahy said he agreed with the report that more people were signing up to full time education.

He said: “While there are issues with employment, education seems to be booming.

“Not only that, but students seem more committed and retention is high. I had 41 enrol in September and no-one has dropped out.