BUSINESS failures in Yorkshire fell by 17.39 per cent last month, according to figures published today by professional services firm Deloitte & Touche.

The level of failure, however, remains high, amid market uncertainty over the growing prospect of war with Iraq.

The total number of receiverships and administration appointments in Yorkshire and Humberside fell to 19 in February, compared with the previous month's total of 23, which was nearly double December's figure of 12.

Updated: 08:58 Tuesday, March 18, 2003