Tees Valley towns prove fertile ground for start-ups

Two North East towns have been recognised among the best places in the country to start and sustain a business.

A new survey by Shootday, using Office for National Statistics data, has placed Darlington and Middlesbrough in the country’s top ten for business survival rates. 

Darlington ranked seventh nationally, while Middlesbrough took ninth place, highlighting strong prospects for entrepreneurs in the region.

Stockton also performed well, landing 14th in the list of 50 cities and towns assessed. 

The analysis considered three key factors: the number of new businesses being created; the number closing; and their long-term survival rates.

Imran Anwar, who sits on the Tees Valley Business Board and is chief executive of Middlesbrough-based digital innovation agency Alt Labs, said: “It’s great to see the entrepreneurial spirit of Middlesbrough and our wider region borne out in these figures.

“We are home to resilient, innovative and out-of-the-box thinkers who are willing to adapt and change their businesses – and it’s been a real pleasure to see brilliant digital start-ups grow and thrive through our work at Alt Labs.

“The Tees Valley is probably the best place at the moment to run a business – with Investment Zones in Middlesbrough and Hartlepool, and a joined-up plan to grow.

“If you look at any other area – London, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle – they don’t have the community we do and I think that’s been critical for us to grow the digital economy locally, and this is exactly why Middlesbrough is the fastest digital growth area outside London.”

Middlesbrough mayor Chris Cooke, who is TVCA cabinet member for inward investment, added: “These results are proof of the determination, skill and creativity of the people of Middlesbrough.

“We’ve been committed to creating the right environment for businesses to start, grow and succeed – from improving town centre spaces to supporting new investment.

“But there’s still more to do, and we’re not complacent. 

“We’ll keep working hard to make sure Middlesbrough remains one of the very best places in the UK for ambitious entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality.”

The findings draw on the latest ONS Business Demography survey and underline the Tees Valley’s growing reputation as a place for enterprise. 

They also come as regional leaders press ahead with inward investment strategies, building on recent successes to attract large-scale firms, boost job creation and position the Tees Valley as a hub for enterprise.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen added: “Our entrepreneurs are the beating heart of industry and jobs across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool – so it’s fantastic to see these figures show just how strong that heartbeat is.

“We’ve fought hard to back businesses with investment, infrastructure and opportunities, and this shows it’s working.

“The message is clear – if you’ve got a great idea and the drive to make it happen, there’s no better place in the UK to do it than right here.

“We’re determined to cement our place at the top and encourage more start-ups to thrive.”

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