83,570 new businesses were started in England and Wales during the second quarter of 2001 – 16% down on this time last year, according to Barclays. This is the lowest figure recorded since the equivalent quarter in 1992 (76,760). 101,180 businesses have closed in the second quarter of 2001, a 3% fall on the same period last year and a sharp contrast to 1992, when twice as many businesses closed as opened (152,590).
Source: Credit Management
