More Surrey-based entrepreneurs started successful businesses during the recession than in any other region, it has been revealed.

According to new figures from Barclays, one in seven firms launched in Surrey during the last three years are now turning over more than £100,000.

That is in contrast to the national average of one in ten. However, across the country, one in 20 recession-era businesses are recording turnover in excess of  £200,000.

Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Cambridgeshire were the next most recession-resilient hubs of entrepreneurship, excluding London.

Barclays further revealed that one in 65 of the businesses launched in the last three years are turning over more than £500,000 a year – suggesting that new businesses can flourish despite the difficult economic conditions.

Steve Cooper, managing director of Barclays Business, said: “The record numbers of start-up businesses is partly ‘the Dragons’ Den effect’ – seeing inspirational people on television who are following their business dreams. We’re also seeing a new generation of young entrepreneurs who have learned about business at school.

“These figures show that starting your own business can offer a credible, financially [viable] alternative to working for another employer. Clearly, there are a lot of opportunities out there for start-ups, which our entrepreneurs are aggressively going after.”