Bristol business support organisation BRAVE Enterprise is advising record numbers of aspiring entrepreneurs as new figures reveal the city has become a hotbed for start-up businesses.
The not-for-profit body, which has helped thousands launch successful ventures, has had to double the number of free Thinking about Business workshops it runs for people considering self-employment. 
In the past 12 months more than 400 people have attended the BRAVE workshop, which represents a 30% increase on the previous year.
This month alone attendance has been nearly double compared to January last year. BRAVE says its statistics show that nearly half of these people will go on to start their own business.
Meanwhile, the number of new businesses launched nationally reached record levels in 2015, according to latest figures analysed by StartUp Britain and the Centre for Entrepreneurs.
Based on official data from Companies House, the figures show that Bristol remains a top city for new company formations, with 11.16 start-ups per 1,000 people. This is more than many other entrepreneurial hot spots such as Oxford and Cambridge.
BRAVE Enterprise director Liz Sands, pictured, said: “The latest figures show that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Bristol. This is certainly borne out by our experience at BRAVE and the record numbers of people attending our free Thinking about Business workshops.
“There are a number of possible reasons behind the increase, including rising life expectancy and pension changes – which has encouraged some older people to move into ‘small scale’ self-employment after retiring – and the improved economic situation. Schemes such as the New Enterprise Allowance have also encouraged more out or work people to consider self-employment.
“We are seeing equal numbers of men and women attending our workshops, the majority of who are aged 30 or over. And we are seeing a huge range of business ideas from street food, dog walking, and clothing and accessories to food importing, celebration cakes, photography and health and beauty.
“Our free workshop gives people a clearer idea of what running a business entails before they decide to take the plunge. Being your own boss can be immensely satisfying but it also requires great determination and hard work, and is not for everyone.”
For more information about BRAVE workshops visit www.brave.org.uk/startup or phone 0117 944 5330.
