A COUNCILLOR has welcomed an increase in business start-up activity this year.
BankSearch figures show that between January and July 2026, 434 new companies started across Lichfield and Burntwood.
The figures are an increase of 36.9% from the same period last year.
The district saw the third-highest growth rate across Staffordshire, with the county as a whole seeing a 31.8% increase.
Cllr Robin Hall, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for economy and skills and Reform UK representative for Burntwood South, said:
"This is excellent news for Lichfield and Burntwood. Behind every one of these figures is someone prepared to back an idea, take a risk and build something of their own.
"The real credit belongs to those entrepreneurs, but the county council has an important role in helping them turn an idea into a viable business.
"That is why we are providing practical workshops, mentoring, access to finance and specialist support."
The county council's fully funded Start-Up Studio has recently been running in Lichfield and is now coming to Burntwood.
The programme offers practical workshops, individual mentoring and ongoing support for people considering starting a business and those in the early stages of their business journey.
The next free workshop will take place on 16th September at Chase Terrace Community Centre.
Cllr Hall added:
"The Start-Up Studio has already been running in Lichfield and I am particularly pleased that we are now bringing it to Burntwood.
"But we shouldn’t be complacent. Starting a business is only the first step the challenge is helping those businesses survive, expand and create good local jobs.
"These figures show real momentum – and we want to build on it."
