Stephen Metcalfe MP has
welcomed new figures that show business is on the up in his constituency of
South Basildon and East Thurrock.
The number of new businesses
in the area rose by 8.2% between 2011 and 2012 with 2,515 enterprises currently
in operation. This figure is well above the average for the East of England
which saw a rise of 2.7%.
The statistics also show the
diversity of the business economy in the area. The construction industry
forms the largest percentage of businesses, followed by professional,
scientific and technical, with food services, production and transport also
forming a significant share of the total.
Stephen Metcalfe MP
commented: “This is fantastic news for South Basildon and East Thurrock. It
shows that new enterprises are emerging despite difficult economic times and
this can only be a good thing for our economy and for the local area.”
The latest figures have come
shortly after the Government announced an extra £30 million boost in start up
loans to help start new businesses and create much needed jobs. This brings the
total pot for Start-Up loans to more than £110 million over the next three
years.
Mr Metcalfe added: “It is
extremely encouraging to see that businesses are on the up. I expect that this
trend is likely to continue as more and more businesses benefit from the new
cash injection to Start-Up loans from the Government.”
“I would encourage any
budding entrepreneur in South Basildon and East Thurrock to apply for a Start
Up loan to get their business ideas moving.”
