The Calder Valley in West Yorkshire, which formed the backdrop for the popular TV programme Happy Valleyhas proven to be the fastest growing area for small businesses in Great Britain.
The constituency was singled out as a hotspot for start-ups by web hosting company GoDaddy’s venture forward research initiative.
Data from more than 2.3 million micro businesses – businesses with fewer than 10 employees – showed the Calder Valley’s density of new businesses grew by 70 per cent over the past 12 months amid a boom in entrepreneurship.
The results come as the area has seen an increase in tourism due to the popular BBC drama, starring Sarah Lancashire. In February, it was reported that over a million people had expressed interest in signing up for a newly launched Happy Valley– themed tour of the area.
Local business owners said the recent cost of living crisis has driven support from residents for their small, independent businesses.
Craig Moffat, founder of Clean Wheels, a bike mechanics and service business in the area, said: “I’m not surprised that the Calder Valley came top of the list of micro-business hubs in the UK. People here have a wonderful entrepreneurial spirit and the cost of living crisis has exacerbated the desire to support local businesses in the community.”
Torfaen in Wales was the second best performing constituency, followed by Airdrie and Shotts in Scotland, Wirral West in Cheshire and Knowsley, Merseyside.
The report said this highlighted growth in new businesses outside London and the south of England, which had represented most locations in last year’s top 10 regions.
However, the latest top 10 had no representation from London and the South.
Andrew Gradon, head of GoDaddy UK and Ireland, said: “Micro businesses have the power to add billions the economy, while providing jobs and opportunities in their local communities. When they thrive, we all do.”
Additional reporting from PA
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