VAT figures reveal burgeoning economy
Last year saw the highest percentage rise in the number of VAT-registered businesses since 1997, indicating a growth in small companies, new government figures reveal.
Link: Businesses unclear on VAT schemes
The number of registrations increased by 14,200 (8.1%) between 2002 and 2003, exceeding the number of de-registrations which rose by 10,400 (6.4%) over the same period.
The overall VAT-registered business population increased by 15,500 (0.9%) during 2003, according to the government’s Small Business Service.
It is widely understood that VAT registration figures give an indication of the level of entrepreneurship and general health of the business population.
But they do not give the whole picture, as start-ups only need register for VAT once their turnover exceeds £56,000. Also, de-registering does not necessarily mean company closure.