UK Start Ups Increase 19%, Says UK Direct Marketing Company

Research by Direct Marketing Company Selectabase, Shows That the Number of New Businesses Starting up in the UK is up by a Recession-Beating 19% Compared to Last Year, at 240 Start ups per Day

DEAL, England, July 1, 2010 - Whilst the rest of the economy has been in recession, UK start up
activity seems to have remained vibrant, with growth reaching double figures
this year.

From January to May 2010, Selectabase figures suggest that 36179 new
businesses started up, or approximately 240 start ups per day. The total
start ups seen over the same period in 2009 was 30445.

The figures are released by Selectabase, a UK direct marketing company
which compiles a database of start ups called Startupsplus. Data is collected
from a variety of sources and telephone verified for accuracy, and includes
all forms of business including sole traders and limited companies.

Analysis of Startupsplus data for 2010 reveals some fascinating insights
into UK start up activity. For example, 1265 different types of business were
started, with the most popular including electricians, plumbers,
hairdressers, builders, computer services and cleaning. Over 40% of start ups
were home based businesses, and the top start up locations were London,
Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Bristol.

Using Startupsplus data, a typical profile for the most common form of
start up emerges; a trade based from home, often working in the construction,
hair and beauty or IT sectors, and located in one of the UK's major cities.

Commenting on the findings, Steve Sellwood of Selectabase put forward a
number of reasons for the growth: "even in times of recession, there's
obviously still plenty of start up activity, often as a result of redundancy,
or the need to generate additional household income," he said, "but can't
discount the effect of shows like Dragon's Den and The Apprentice in
encouraging entrepreneurship," added Sellwood.

More information about Startupsplus is at
www.selectabase.co.uk/startupsplus

Editors Notes:

Startupsplus from Selectabase is a leading source of information about
new and changing businesses. Subscribers receive a monthly list of the latest
start ups in their chosen postcode area or industry.

Analysis of Startupsplus data from January to May 2010 identified 36179
start ups, on average 7236 per month, or around 240 per day. This is an
increase on 2009 of 5734 start ups, representing growth of almost 19%.

Selectabase is located in Kent and is a member of the Direct Marketing
Association.

www.selectabase.co.uk

Contact Details: Josh Whiten/Steve Sellwood, Selectabase, +44(0)1304-382211, josh.whiten at selectabase.co.uk