New figures just published by Inform Direct reveal that the number of companies in Kent in 2024 was the highest ever recorded.
During the last 12 months, registered companies grew to an all-time high of 136,504 – up from 133,898 at the end of 2023 – and 16,490 new businesses were established in the county.
The statistics are taken from the Inform Direct Review of Company Formations using data from Companies House and the Office for National Statistics.
Medway formed the most new businesses (2,699), followed by Dartford (1,572) and Maidstone (1,496).
John Korchak, managing director at Inform Direct, said: “It is really good news that Kent can celebrate a record number of companies.
“The year undoubtedly presented a range of challenges for business with the uncertainty of the General Election, the introduction of new regulations and concerns over Labour’s first Budget in October, which included the increase in employer National Insurance.
“World events also played a part in economic volatility with the US Election and instability in the Middle East high up on the list.
“Despite all these factors, businesspeople in Kent demonstrated great resilience and inspired leadership, evidenced in this successful result.”
The UK as a whole mirrored this trend with a record total of 5,637,210 companies – up from 5,476,772 at the end of 2023. There were 848,192 formations during the year and 690,501 dissolutions.
