MORE than 1,200 businesses in Trafford went to the wall last year.

It has led to a charity, The Money Advice Trust, warning, that firms struggling to cope with debt were leaving it too late before seeking help.

According to the trust, 1,270 businesses in the borough folded last year, while across Greater Manchester a total of 10,005 ceased trading.

Further, the trust says the number of firms failing to making their second business trading birthday in Trafford, stood at almost three in ten(29 per cent).

Over the same period the number of new businesses setting up totalled 1,95 in Trafford.

Despite the dangers, the charity which runs Business Debtline, says that too many local sole traders and other small business owners are leaving it too late to seek advice.

Business Debtline is the only free debt advice service for small business owners and sole traders in the UK.

Last year the service helped around 40,000 people with business-related debts, with 54 per cent of callers able to overcome their immediate problems and continue to trade.

Joanna Elson, chief executive of the trust, said: “Small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy in Greater Manchester.

“I would urge any small business owner who is struggling to cope with debt to seek free advice as soon as possible.

Small business owners can find out more at www.businessdebtline.org