Full list of Britain's most entrepreneurial cities and towns

WOLVERHAMPTON and Mansfield have been named Britain’s most enterprising towns in an annual survey of small businesses.

More small businesses (SMEs) per capita were set up in the Midlands communities last year than anywhere else in the UK.

The increase in small businesses was driven by the accommodation and catering tradeCredit: Alamy

SME insurance provider Superscript used ONS data to compare the total number of small businesses (with 0-49 employees) per unitary authority in 2021 with the same number for 2022.

This was combined with nationwide population data to create a small business per capita score.

Wolverhampton came out on top with a score of 0.48, with other cities such as Worcester at 0.20 and Carlisle at 0.19.

While cities are seeing significant growth, Mansfield leads at 0.38, followed by Blackburn with Darwen at 0.30 and Luton at 0.22.

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The increase in small businesses was driven by the hotel and catering industry, which grew nationwide by 4.9 percent (more than 8,175 businesses).

And construction, which grew by 4.25 percent (15,270 more companies).

Superscript also commissioned a survey of 1,000 small business owners that found that 72 percent went into self-employment because they could make more than their current job.

Cameron Shearer, Co-Founder and CEO, said: “It’s encouraging to see so many new entrepreneurial cities making it into the top 10 this year, while cities like Carlisle and Cardiff consolidate their positions from last year and move even higher climb.

“These places have bucked the national trend, with macroeconomic challenges causing a decline of 83,000 small businesses nationwide.

“However, history teaches us that great ideas and innovations are born out of challenging times when companies are evolving rapidly.

“That’s why flexibility and adaptability have become the top insurance needs of small businesses that turn to us for coverage.”

Jasmine, 41, and Phil Robson, 47, run Hatch To Go in Darlington, which ranked fourth among the top cities.

The concept came after the success of adjustments to their existing Hatch Luncheonette store in 2020 and 2021, where customers were still wanting dine-in experiences during Covid.

The to-go shop now offers retail as well as cakes, snacks and coffee after Jasmine noticed an opportunity from passing customers who were able to browse and pick up last-minute gifts and cards.

Jasmine said: “We use a lot of local suppliers for our takeaway and in our retail and gifts division, where we try to focus on stocking independent brands, often focusing on women-owned or independent brands who.” not found in large sizes are sites like Amazon.

“We grew up in Darlington and it’s nice to have a company that makes the place we live better.

“We set up the store as a place where we as customers would like to go.”

Superscript’s data also revealed the key factors for entrepreneurs when choosing a location for their business, with 15 percent looking for good access to talent.

But for 14 percent it is simply where the budding entrepreneurs happen to already live.

Jackie Mulligan, founder of ShopAppy – an online platform for local shops – and expert on the Government’s High Street Task Force, said: “Shifting our high streets to places with more experience is a positive opportunity, particularly for the hospitality sector.

“It is clear that business growth in these locations also comes with positive efforts from local partners (councils and business improvement districts), strong, supportive communities and effective business networks – all key for entrepreneurs in this challenging climate for the local economy. “