A TOTAL of 268 new companies were started in Craven last year, according to figures just released.

And these were part of a total of 6,437 firms formed in North Yorkshire in 2015, bringing the total throughout the county to 46,660.

The statistics, compiled by online data provider Inform Direct, indicate that there are now more companies based in North Yorkshire than ever before.

And they revealed that between January 1 and December 31 last year, there were a record-breaking 612,565 firms formed across the United Kingdom - up from 586,784 the year before.

Inform Direct managing director Henry Catchpole said: “Our dynamic economy and business-friendly environment are the reasons there is a ‘Great’ in Great Britain.

“All around the world, governments are spending time and money to figure out the best way to foster an entrepreneurial culture that helps boost the economy.

“But here in the UK, our politicians can nurture this business mentality that has established itself organically.

“North Yorkshire has had a very good year.”