Swindon has been named as one of the leading growth hotspots in the UK for new home-based businesses, according to BT research.

The town joins Bristol, Plymouth and Torquay in the south west on a list of the nation's top 50 home business hotspots in the Home Business Report, which analysed the continuing rise of businesses run from home.

Swindon comes in at 30th in the UK with Bristol at No 4, Plymouth at 17th and Torquay 46th. First place is London followed by Leicester.

The report - from Enterprise Nation, which is itself a home-based business - reveals that home businesses are booming despite the economic crisis. Two thirds expect to increase turnover in the next six months, while more than half are developing new products and services.

Indeed, the current economic climate is acting as a spur to growth as more people seek a new income at minimal cost.

While a spare room or bedroom are the most common locations for a home office, nearly one in five are using the garage or a garden shed. Half reported they spend between £500 and £1,000 a year on IT.

Across the UK, there are now 2.5 million home businesses - a 16 per cent increase on 12 months ago - with developments such as broadband playing a key role in driving growth.

The report reveals that 82 per cent of home business owners believe technology has been a critical or important factor in allowing them to start and grow the business from home.

The report says: "Advances in technology underpin the ability of home based businesses to thrive and compete in today's business environment."

Sally Wilcox, South West regional director for BT, said: "The growth of home businesses, despite the economic downturn, is a major business success story for the South West. Technology, such as broadband, has made it more cost effective and easier then ever before to start a business in your home.

"We are working closely with the South West of England Regional Development Agency and business organisations to offer a range of expertise, advice and technological support - and this report shows that more can be done at local, regional and national levels if home businesses are to achieve their full potential."

The report's recommendations include introducing new initiatives to support home businesses, that business support providers promote events, networks and clubs dedicated to home businesses and that business support bodies change their attitude to growthso they take more account of businesses growing by turnover, rather than headcount.

Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation and author of the report, said: "Home business is the bright spot of the UK economy. Our 2008 Report reveals thousands more people becoming their own boss and earning a living from home.

"It also shows high levels of confidence and optimism amongst existing home business owners; owners who are making the most of technology to keep costs low and sales and productivity high.

" A flourishing home business sector is good news for the UK economy."
 

MINETY GARDEN PRODUCTS 2009