SHEPWAY has seen a 110 per cent rise in new business start-ups, according to the latest figures.

A survey by Barclays Bank found that despite a tough trading climate around 300 new enterprises were set up in the first three months of the year.

Shepway led the way in Kent and Medway, which together saw an overall 35 per cent rise to 2,900.

Tonbridge and Malling was second in the start-up stakes, with a 95 per cent increase, while Sevenoaks came third with 80 per cent.

But results for Dover were disappointing with a reduction of 25 per cent. There was a 10 per cent fall in Gravesham and Swale.

The number of new businesses in Medway grew by 55 per cent to around 600.

Across the region, an estimated 17,200 new businesses were set up, 29 per cent up on the same period a year ago.

This is the second highest increase recorded across the UK and compares to the national average of 24 per cent.

The number of women who set up a business in the South East during quarter one was 3,100 compared with 11,500 men.

Hazel Hanson, area manager for Barclays, said: "We expect a more widespread improvement in small business trading conditions to occur later in 2006 and into 2007 as the current economic conditions pick up, providing improving opportunities for more individuals to set up and grow their business."