WILTSHIRE had one of the lowest insolvency rates in the country last year, according to new research.

Out of 27,631 businesses, only 193 in the county’s local authority area folded – a rate of 0.7 per cent.

That percentage was slightly higher in the Swindon Council area with 112 businesses out of 10,188 going bust – a rate of 1.1 per cent.

In contrast, the highest insolvency rate in England last year was in Slough, Berkshire, with a rate of 2.6 per cent.

The research, carried out for the BBC by Experian, looked at evidence of growth, or otherwise, in every local authority area in England.

The data included information from sole traders and partnerships not normally collected by other data agencies including, for example, people operating online auction businesses from home.

Chief executive of the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce, Rob Perks, said the county had less of a focus on industry, such as financial services, construction and manufacturing, but more service-related businesses which have not suffered as badly as the rest.

“In chatting with our members we have learned that many have cut back and clipped their wings, or been innovative and done something different, rather than giving up,” said Mr Perks.

“Many are giving feedback that things are just a little bit better and they are feeling a bit more optimistic than they have over the last three years.”