New research has highlighted the continuing benefits of Bury St Edmunds as a “destination” town as more businesses are launched.

A survey has found there has been a record number of company formations in the town during the first half of the year.

The figures, released by Duport.co.uk, revealed there were 309 registered – more than any other half year in the history of Bury and a 9% rise on the same period in 2012.

It comes at a time when it was also revealed that footfall in July is 9.2% up from June whereas the average rise in East Anglia is 5.8% and nationally 3.2%.

The town’s appeal to new business is being linked to its mix of cultural heritage and a modern retail offering.

A recent report from English Heritage claimed an “innovative” mixture of listed buildings, distinctive heritage and a modern shopping complex makes Bury a “destination” town.

The study highlights in particular how the Arc Shopping Centre complements the many independent traders and bustling night-time economy of the town.

Mark Cordell, chief executive of town centre business improvement group Bid4Bury, said he was not surprised that so many new companies have started up in and around Bury as the town has so much to offer businesses, their employees and their families.

He added: “Recently the market hosted a number of new businesses on the “Love Your Market Day” and I am often being contacted by people who want to set up businesses in the town centre so it’s clear that an entrepreneurial spirit is alive and kicking.

“The footfall to the town centre continues to increase and with the great weather in July we have seen a near 10% increase in the number of people coming into town when compared with June whereas the regional average is under 6% and the national average increase is just over 3%.

“This further demonstrates that Bury remains a very popular visitor destination.”

Meanwhile, Peter Valaitis, managing director of Duport.co.uk, said: “Bury St Edmunds clearly has a number of assets that is making it increasingly popular to both visitors and new businesses.

“As footfall increases, the many companies that are currently setting up will reap the benefits.

“The Duport Business Confidence Report for Bury contains a range of statistics that provide an overview of the local business landscape.”

More information can be found at http://www.duport.co.uk/burystedmunds