YORKSHIRE bosses are top of the table for job creation, it is claimed.

The annual Barclays Business Regional Impact Index said employers in the were the most successful at generating employment and were joint second with the North East for launching new products and services.

The index reveals which regions in the UK benefit most from the contributions of their small businesses and the role they are playing in boosting recovery across the country. The survey examines 13 key factors, including outlook for growth, job creation and expected profits.

Overall, Yorkshire has risen from seventh to fourth place in the index, which is based on an in-depth study of 1,000 owner-managers and analysis by Kingston University’s Small Business Research Centre.

The index showed that Yorkshire firms obtain 55% of their supplies from local and regional businesses, making a significant contribution to the regional economy.

James Cliffe, Barclays Business divisional director, said: “It is encouraging to see there is still optimism in Yorkshire with businesses introducing new products and services.”