PLACES THAT MEAN BUSINESS West Midlands NEW BUSINESS COUNT: 31,000 Recruitment shouldn't be an issue in the West Midlands. The area has a population of almost three million, and there are plenty of attractive locations in the region beyond the thriving West Midlands metropolitan area. Worcestershire's Start-Up and Early Stage Business Grants scheme is part of the Enterprising Worcestershire programme, and grants are available up to £1,000 for eligible businesses in Worcester within their first year of trading. One-toone support, including help with your business plan, is also available. WORDS TRISH LESSLIE SOURCES: DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENERGY AND INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY, OFFICE FOR NATIONAL STATISTICS. NEW BUSINESS COUNTS TO NEAREST 1,000 Find out where in the UK is best for startups and SMEs 276 276 YB2020 Best Areas for Business CM final.indd 276 13/02/2020 10:31