THE number of companies formed in Cumbria last year saw a record rise.

2197 companies were formed in Cumbria in 2013, it is 11.7% higher than in 2012 when 1966 registered.

The information comes from Duport, which are company formation specialists looking at growth trends nationwide.

But 1314 companies were also dissolved in Cumbria in 2013, which was 11% higher than the year before.

Duport said the number being dissolved in Cumbria compared 'unfavourably' to general UK growth.

The Kendal area also saw a total of 179 companies formed over the last year which is 4.7% higher than in 2012, said Westmorland MP Tim Farron.

But the report found this compares 'poorly' to a general UK figure of 7.6%.

The number of companies dissolved in the Kendal area during 2013 was also 106 - 21.8% higher than in 2012 and the most since 2010.

However, it is not as high as in 2009 when 143 companies were dissolved in the Kendal area.

Mr Farron commented: "This report proves that local people are bucking the national trend. Despite the serious economic situation nationally, here in the South Lakes we are seeing dozens of new businesses setting up.

"Our community is making its own luck and proving that there is still a huge amount of vitality and strength in our local economy.

"This news alongside the huge rise in the number of local apprentices and investment in manufacturing jobs at Croppers, Gilkes and GSK shows that our campaign to strengthen our economy and increase job numbers is really paying dividends."

In Barrow, a total of 304 companies were formed in 2013 which Duport said was a 'record year' for the town. 

It is 24.1% higher than in 2012, and compares favourably to the UK figure of 7.6%.

A total of 114 companies were formed in Penrith in 2013 which is 3.4% lower than in 2012 and comparing poorly to the UK figure.