Pembrokeshire is leading the way in the UK when it comes to opening new businesses.

Figures compiled by Barclays Bank show that the county shares top place in the 2003 business start-up hotspots.

Last year, 22 new businesses per 1,000 people were set up in Pembrokeshire compared to the UK average of 14.5.

Pembrokeshire shares top spot in the country with North East Lincolnshire, Torbay, Somerset and Southend-on-Sea, having led the Welsh league table through all four quarters of 2003.

County council leader, Clr. Maurice Hughes, said the news augured well for Pembrokeshire's entrepreneurial future.

"It shows that people are confident enough to invest and start new businesses in the county," he added.