KENT has become the fastest-growing area in the South East for business start-ups, according to figures published by Barclays Bank.

They revealed an 11 per cent increase in the past year, easily outstripping the growth rate of any other area in the region.

The county was home to 11,600 new businesses in 2004, up 1,200 on the 10,400 recorded the previous year. Medway saw a more modest improvement, up around five per cent from 1,700 to 1,800.

The South East region overall recorded 71,400 new start ups. The most popular trades were painting and building contractors, reflecting a national trend that saw the construction sector grow by 34 per cent across the UK.

Hazel Hanson, small business area manager at 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 improvement continues.

"This is particularly true in the South East, where the trades you associate with DIY are enjoying substantial growth."

According to Barclays, the number of business start ups by men was 297,400, with 155,000 set up by women.