PORTSMOUTH people are more entrepreneurial than their Southampton counterparts, according to new figures from Barclays Bank.

Nationally, there are record levels of entrepreneurial activity but not in Southampton, where there have been just 81 start-ups per 10,000 head of population in the last six months.

Although 40 per cent up on the same time last year, the figure lags well behind the national average of 90.

But, worse, it falls well short of regional rivals Portsmouth where the figure is 105 per 10,000 head of population.

The regional champion, however, was the Isle of Wight where 108 new businesses were born per 10,000 people in the last six months.

Entrepreneurial success is just the latest in a series of triumphs over Southampton by its south coast neighbour.

As revealed by the Daily Echo, Portsmouth residents are richer than their Southampton counterparts, according to figures from the Office of National Statistics.

Back in April we told how residents of the historic Royal Navy port produced an average of £15,698 each, moving ahead for the first time of Southampton's total of £15,542.

Another blow to Southamp-ton's economic prestige came when former city shipbuilder Vosper Thornycroft brought down the curtain on a century of tradition to quit in favour of Portsmouth earlier this year.

To compound the city's misery, the prestigious Global Challenge sailing event also shifted its home port east along the M27.

Maureen Frost, chief executive of Portsmouth's Chamber of Commerce, welcomed news of the city's success.

"I am delighted that research shows that Portsmouth is exceeding the national average for business start ups," she said.

"I believe that this reflects the excellent support structure available to those wanting to go into business and the entrepreneurial culture promoted by organisations such as the university, city council, Enterprise Agency and chamber working in partnership."

"Southampton is a fantastic place to do business," said Stewart Dunn, president of the Southampton Chamber of Commerce. "We have the major transport links with the motorways, the seaport and the international airport and I think we are unrivalled on the south coast."

Karen Bladen of the Federation of Small Business said the problem had been noted and moves were already in place to address it.

"We are concerned about the figures," she said. "But we have joined forces with other agencies to form the Southampton Business Support Network which will be meeting for the first time next week to talk about stimulating the local business community."