Data on the stock of VAT registeredenterprises is released annually by the Small Business Service, an agency of theDepartment for Trade and Industry.These figures do not accountfor all business activity as only companies with a turnover above the VAT thresholdare required to register.The following table shows thenumber of VAT registered enterprises in the Stirling local authority area ineach of the last three years for which figures are available, broken down by broadindustry sector.Number of VAT RegisteredEnterprises in Stirling Local Authority are (2004-06) Sector 2004 2005 2006 Agriculture and forestry; Fishing 450 450 440 Mining and quarrying; Electricity, gas and water supply 5 5 5 Manufacturing 155 155 155 Construction 320 330 330 Wholesale, retail and repairs 575 580 575 Hotels and restaurants 275 265 295 Transport, storage and communication 120 120 125 Financial intermediation 45 45 45 Real estate, renting and business activities 755 805 835 Public administration; Other community, social and personal services 230 220 220 Education; Health and social work 40 40 45 Total 2975 3015 3060 Source:Small Business Service, DTI.