THE number of North West company collapses has risen for the third quarter running.

Figures compiled by accountants KPMG show that receivers were called into 45 companies in the region between January and March compared with 36 in the final quarter of 1996.

"It is a disappointing start to the New Year although the position in the region is still considerably better that it was this time last year," said Peter Terry, head of corporate recovery.

"Hopefully this rise is merely due to seasonal influences.

"We often see a rise early in the New Year when orders dry up after the busy Christmas period."

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