An increase in companies specialising in traditional trades helped create a boom in the number of UK start-ups in 2004, according to new research.
The report by Barclays shows that a record number of firms were set up last year, topping any previous levels recorded by the bank.
The number of new entrepreneurs increased by 453,000 in 2004, compared to 400,000 in 1988, a comparative increase of 13%
The study said the dramatic rise in construction businesses was the main reason for the overall increase. The sector grew by 34% last year, with 40,000 new firms being set up.
Residential building contracting, painting and plumbing businesses topped the table as most popular start-ups, accounting for a third of all construction companies.
New plastering firms increased by three fifths, while those installing carpets and flooring almost doubled.
Louise Fowler, from Barclays, said: "The record numbers of small business start ups has been driven by the boom in the construction sector as Brits obsession with home improvements continues.
"The more traditional trades such as decorating have fuelled the rise in this sector."
The leisure and personnel and the transport and communications sectors also showed strong growth. Including construction, these sectors accounted for 30% of all new businesses in 2004.
The research also revealed the extent of the gender divide among small firms. Men accounted for almost double the number of female start ups, with 297,400 compared to 155,000.
On a regional basis, London witnessed the highest number of new entrepreneurs, with nine of its boroughs occupying the top ten. Least fertile was Yorkshire, propping up the bottom of the table.
