Despite economic challenges, figures from the Office of National Statistics shows that the region continues to lead on business creation across the North and Midlands, cementing the region’s status as a dynamic engine of growth outside London.

Greater Manchester remains a central driver of the region’s business growth, contributing over 14,500 new enterprises in 2023, while Manchester city alone saw the birth of 3,630 new business, reflecting the area’s resilience and strong support ecosystem for startups, creatives, and tech-driven ventures.

While the North West’s business birth rate remains nationally competitive at 11.6%, second only to London at 12.6%, long-term performance is more difficult. Only 30% of businesses survive to their fifth year, lagging behind the national average of 40%.

Mike Williams, Office Managing Partner of Marks & Clerk’s Manchester office, and co-author of The IP-Driven Startup comments: “It’s inspiring to see the North West leading the way in business creation, but to give our startups the best chances for success, founders must not overlook intellectual property (IP) assets. Protecting your IP early isn’t just about legal protections; it’s about securing your competitive edge, attracting investors and building a foundation for long-term growth.”

Robert Lind, Partner at Marks & Clerk and co-author of The IP-Driven Startup, comments: “IP rights are often deprioritised by startups, seen as complex, costly, or the preserve of larger companies – but these misconceptions leave businesses vulnerable just as they begin to gain traction. Further down the line, unsecured IP can also significantly undermine long-term value. Investors aren’t just looking for innovative ideas – they’re looking for evidence of ownership and control.”

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