BUSINESS is flourishing in Bromley after the number of small companies starting up in the borough increased by more than seven per cent during the first quarter of this year.

According to the latest data from BankSearch, 854 businesses were set up in the first three months of 2011, 58 more than in the same period last year.

The majority of start-ups were in the legal, accountancy and consultancy sector with 206 new businesses.

This was followed by 118 in construction and 86 in personal and community service.

The top three areas for start-ups were Bromley Town with 63 new businesses, followed by Penge and Cator at 62 and Copers Cope with 59.

At the other end of the scale was Darwin, with the fewest new start-ups at 20.

The bottom three also included Mottingham and Chislehurst North at 21 and Farnborough and Crofton at 23.

Bromley Council’s leader Councillor Stephen Carr said: “These are encouraging figures that show the dynamic entrepreneurial spirit of many of our residents.

“It is clear that successful business can improve the difficult economic situation we face and strong start ups locally will improve prosperity for residents.

“Businesses are central to our community, creating jobs, prosperity and opportunities and we are committed to doing all that we can to support existing businesses and encourage and assist new business owners to start successful enterprises.

“Bromley has always been and remains a fantastic place to do business with great transport links and skilled workforces.”

The survey looked at the number of businesses, with an annual turnover of up to £1m, opening a first current account from a small business banking product range.

Both London and the south east have had the strongest regional annual growth across the country at 15.4 per cent and 14 per cent respectively.