New figures reveal that in 2024 the number of companies in Berkshire was the highest ever recorded – in a year that presented a range of challenges for business.
Wokingham saw 1,603 new company formations in 2024, with 13,734 recorded businesses in the borough.
During the last 12 months, registered companies throughout Berkshire grew to an all-time high of 80,348 – up from 78,581 at the end of 2023 – and 10,454 new businesses were established in the county.
The statistics are taken from the Inform Direct Review of Company Formations, using data from Companies House and the Office for National Statistics.
Slough formed the most new businesses (3,099), followed by Reading (1,918) and Windsor and Maidenhead (1,791).
John Korchak, managing director at Inform Direct, said: “It is really good news that Berkshire can celebrate a record number of companies.
“The year undoubtedly presented a range of challenges for business with the uncertainty of the General Election, the introduction of new regulations and concerns over Labour’s first Budget in October which included the increase in employer National Insurance.
“World events also played a part in economic volatility with the US Election and instability in the Middle East high up on the list.
“Despite all these factors, businesspeople in Berkshire demonstrated great resilience and inspired leadership, evidenced in this successful result.”
The UK as a whole mirrored this trend with a record total of 5,637,210 companies, an increase on the previous 12 months of 5,476,772. There were 848,192 formations during the year and 690,501 dissolutions.
To see a more detailed picture of company formations in Berkshire – including a local breakdown – visit www.informdirect.co.uk/company-formations-2024/berkshire/.
