The amount of new businesses started in Cumbria has risen with South Lakeland emerging as Cumbria’s start-up business hotbed.

A recent report shows that in the last quarter, April to June, 694 new businesses were formed in Cumbria with 185 in South Lakeland.

The information released by Cumbria Intelligence Observatory shows that Carlisle had 122 start-ups in this period, with 104 in Allerdale.

As in previous quarters, the highest number of start-ups was in the real estate and professional services sector with 176. 

This was followed by recreation with 102, construction with 101, wholesale and retail with 86 and accommodation and food services with 72. 

Real estate, professional services has shown the biggest rise in start-ups compared to last quarter with 29 more, a quarterly increase of 20 per cent with recreation and construction also showing rises. 

Overall the amount of new businesses created was up 81 from the same perios last year. 

South Lakes MP Tim Farron says that his constituency is the 'start up hub' of Cumbria.

He said: "Seeing so many entrepreneurs setting up their own businesses is fantastic and shows that our area is the start-up hub of Cumbria.

“This news, added to the growing number of jobs being advertised and our work on apprenticeships, shows we are really making a difference locally."