CUMBRIA has smashed the record for the number of new businesses launched in the area in a single year, according to new research.

Statistics, compiled by www.informdirect.co.uk, have revealed that there were 2,372 companies formed in 2014, up from a previous best of 2,191.

The news comes as three new businesses could be opening in Kendal town centre in the near future.

Henry Catchpole, CEO of Inform Direct, said: “This is clearly an area where fledgling firms are flourishing and where people are starting to make their dreams a reality in the word of business.”

There were 538 new companies formed in South Lakeland followed by 505 in Allerdale, 477 in Carlisle and 385 in Barrow-in-Furness, according to the research.

It brings the total number of businesses operating in Cumbria to a high of 18,386.

A trio of varied businesses could soon be opening in Kendal too.

Jewellery store Pandora is set to move into the former Greenwoods store in Market Place, while WCF Pet and Equestrian, which sells a range of pet products is due to open close to Booths' Artisan's cafe.

And planning permission is also being sought for a new bar and restaurant in the former Davenports clothes store in Wainwright's Yard.

But the plan, lodged by Stockport-based Kaushik Mistry, has been met with mixed views.

One person who plans to retire to one of the 14 apartments in nearby Printers Croft has submitted an official response to South Lakeland District Council, saying: "At present Wainwrights Yard is a select, relatively quiet area and the planning proposal will have a detrimental effect on the appearance and ambience of the locality due to noise and littering."

A spokesman for nearby Gear have also submitted a response, saying: "I look forward to occasionally unwinding after work with a nice glass of Chardonnay."

While Cumbria outperforms neighbouring Northumberland in terms of new formations and total companies registered, it still lags well behind each of Durham, Lancashire and North Yorkshire.

Last year in the UK as a whole, 586,784 new businesses were registered with Companies House taking the total number to a record high of 3,509,084.