WARRINGTON has been named as one of the top 10 locations in the country for new business start-ups.

Figures released by Start Up Britain show that 6,776 new businesses were registered in Warrington in 2012 - ninth highest in the UK.

Clr Terry O’Neill, leader of Warrington Borough Council, said: ‘‘This is further great news and a further endorsement that our local economy is strong and has grown despite the recession.

“New business is a life blood and these statistics are very reassuring as the creation of new business is vital in order to maintain our economic position of strength.

“It is reassuring that business sees Warrington as the place to be and the place to set up and grow.”

A survey undertaken last year, by Chartered Accountants UHY Hacker Young, placed Warrington postcode WA1, as the top area in the UK by postcode outside of London for new business start-ups.

Steve Park, managing director, Warrington & Co., Warrington’s partnership for economic growth, said: “Continually Warrington’s economic performance tops the tables and this is yet further confirmation. Although considered a town we perform like an economic heavyweight.“