BURY companies which received support from their local enterprise agency in the early stages are not only more likely to have survived, but often outperform competitors, according to a tracking study published by Barclays.

Research by Barclays and the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies (NFEA) suggests that firms have taken advantage of free help from an enterprise agency around the time of starting up their business subsequently have a higher chance of survival in the crucial first two years of trading.

In recognition of the importance of helping would-be entrepreneurs, Barclays recently launched its sixth programme of Start Right workshops, including one in Bury.