DESPITE the recession, a business development organisation said it had helped more North-East businesses start up in the past year than ever.

Business Link said it had helped create 4,384 businesses during the period, an increase of nearly 15 per cent on the previous financial year.

Alastair MacColl, chief executive of Business and Enterprise North-East, which delivers the region’s Business Link service, said: “These results are very encouraging and demonstrate the continuing vigour of our business community. They also underline the commitment and successful work of the Business Link team.

“However, there is still a huge amount of work to be done to ensure that North- East England meets the challenges of the current economic downturn, and is best placed to take advantage when the upturn comes.

“Business Link is committed to doing everything possible to ensure that every North- East business receives the support it needs. Our priority is to offer practical and relevant help that will shape and grow the region’s economy.”

The organisation, which has its headquarters in Seaham, County Durham, worked with 34,344 customers in the 12-month period.

More than 13,000 companies have received its in-depth business service. In addition, more than 4,000 businesses have received skills support advice.