Northampton in UK top 15 for number of new businesses set up during coronavirus lockdown

Northampton has been named the 15th most-enterprising place in the UK due to the number of businesses set up during the coronavirus lockdown.

A total of 642 firms were established in the town between March 23 and May 30, according to research of Companies House data by global affiliate network Awin.

Northampton's population means there are 358 people in the area for every business set up - Droitwich Spa in Worcestershire came out on top with just 38 people per registered company.

Michele O’Sullivan, business development director UK at Awin, said: “Whilst the pandemic and ensuing lockdown has proved to be one of the most difficult in history for business, we have still seen a remarkable amount of ingenuity and innovation in this period, as shown by the people of Droitwich.

"Our own low cost, and simple to use, self-managed solution for startups and entrepreneurs– Awin Access – has been utilised by many businesses, new and old, over this hard period."

Companies monitored include only corporate body types regulated by legislation relevant to Companies House, and does not include all business types such as sole traders.

Awin found 29 per cent of all businesses registered in lockdown were located in London, with Birmingham (three per cent) and Manchester (two per cent) hosting the next most.