Start-up activity is on the rise in Yorkshire and the Humber, according to new figures.

Data from R3, the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body, shows a six per cent increase in new business activity across the region in June, reflecting a wider surge in entrepreneurial confidence across the country.

Dave Broadbent, chair of R3 in Yorkshire and a partner at Begbies Traynor in York and Teesside, said: “Yorkshire and the Humber is clearly part of the national picture when it comes to renewed start-up activity.

“It’s encouraging to see people in our region taking the leap and launching new ventures, which suggests there’s a degree of confidence returning to the market – despite the tough economic conditions.”

However, the data also reveals a four per cent rise in insolvency-related activity, including liquidator and administrator appointments, setting the region apart from most other parts of the UK, where such activity fell.

Mr Broadbent said: “While it’s positive that insolvency activity fell in many regions, including parts of the north, it’s too early to say if this is a lasting trend or a temporary slowdown.

“The reality is that many businesses are still navigating a difficult operating environment.”