Concern in business community as number of companies based in Bristol at a standstill

The total number of businesses based in Bristol remained almost unchanged in 2021, up just 0.1% to 36,239. Still, this downbeat statistic fails to give the full picture. In fact 5,125 new companies were formed in Bristol in 2021, but the challenges of a second pandemic year meant that much of this new growth was undone by a 44.4% increase in the number of companies that ceased trading. However, this worrying rise in the rate of dissolved businesses in Bristol followed the national trend, and the UK as a whole saw the number of companies that stopped trading soar by 45% in 2021.

Our infographic below breaks down Bristol company formation activity in 2021, comparing it both to previous years and to other English counties. You can even drill down to explore the performance of individual wards within the county.

To start a company in Bristol yourself, why not try our easy to use company registration service.