HUNDREDS of Conwy and Denbighshire businesses have gotten off the ground with the help of a government entrepreneurs’ service.

Between 2008 and 2014, the Welsh Government Start Up service helped set up more than 200 businesses and 300 jobs in Conwy county, as well as more than 200 businesses in Denbighshire creating 361 jobs.

The milestone figures were welcomed by Economy Minister Edwina Hart, who said: “These figures are right on target and show our policies to help create jobs and support business growth are working.”

The Start Up service helps people gain the key skills, support and advice they need to develop and prosper in business.

Across the country, the service helped launch 8,325 businesses and create 15,376 jobs.

Ms Hart added: “It is great news for the people who are now running their own business, whether a growth enterprise or a sole trader.

“It’s also good news for the wider economy, as the service is helping some people out of unemployment and supporting others to create jobs in new enterprises.”

The figures were released as the Start Up service prepares to launches its new marketing campaign to encourage more people toget in touch if they’re considering setting up a business.

For more information, visit www.business.wales.gov.uk/startup.