Councillor Andrew Waller welcomed news that more businesses have started up in the city Picture Frank Dwyer THE number of people starting their own business in York has increased in the past year. The latest figures suggest the number of self-employed residents is now significantly higher - having risen from around 12,000 in previous years to around 16,000 in the past three months, a council meeting heard. York s head of economic growth Simon Brereton says the reality is far from the stereotype of rich middle aged men starting up businesses . He said there has been an increase in people starting businesses that fit around their lifestyle - with a huge range of ideas from dog walking to high level consultancy services.