BROMSGROVE saw the biggest increase in business start-ups in the county last year.

Worcestershire as a whole has been ranked 18th in the country for the number of new firms starting out in 2017.

In total 7,804 new firms formed last year, bringing the total number of businesses registered in the county up to 38,764 - according to figures released by the Inform Direct UK Review of Company Formations.

The 2017 figure is up by 15.9 per cent, or 1,200 companies, compared to 2016.

Cllr Ken Pollock, cabinet member for economy and infrastructure, said: "We strive towards becoming an entrepreneurial county.

"An increase in new companies across the county proves that Worcestershire is still Open for Business and hence a great place to invest.

"It's imperative that new businesses have the support they need to survive and grow.

"A growing local economy will enable us to invest more in those areas that our residents and businesses tell us are most important to them."

Bromsgrove saw the biggest rise in start-ups, followed by Wychavon, Worcester, Redditch, Wyre Forest and Malvern Hills.

Studio B61, based in Bromsgrove, signed up Worcestershire County Council's Enterprising Worcestershire programme last August.

Co-owner Sian Conway said: "Thanks to Enterprising Worcestershire we have expanded our service offering and can compete against some of the larger marketing agencies who have state of the art equipment.

"We also have ongoing mentoring so we know that support is there when we need it."

For help and advice setting up a new business, visit the Enterprising Worcestershire pages at worcestershire.gov.uk.