Need To Know Micro Business Statistics UK 2021

Tue, 02nd October 2021

Research from Merchant Savvy reveals that there are over 5.7 million businesses in the UK. 99.9% of all businesses are classed as small to medium-sized enterprises, employing between 1 and 249 employees.

• 0.6% are medium-sized businesses (50 – 259 employees)
• Less than 4% are small businesses (10 – 49 employees)
• 96% are microbusinesses (0 – 9 employees)

Microbusinesses range from established, long standing family businesses to newer start-ups with high growth potential. Recognised as engines of growth that account for 21% of the UK’s turnover, micro businesses face unique challenges due to their size and capacity. Often overstretched, micro business owners are often forced to focus on managing and meeting short term needs.

In a Literature Review from the Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, the continued need for greater distinguishing between microbusinesses and SMEs is highlighted. The review highlights difficulty obtaining external finance because of inaccessible, competitive grants, as well as traditional financial institutions reluctance to provide adequate capital to these ‘higher risk’ enterprises.

The Office for National Statistics reports a steady increase in the number of microbusinesses starting up each year. It is predicted that 2020 will see the rise of even more microbusinesses, as younger job-seekers are seeking entrepreneurship as opposed to taking more traditional routes of job searching in larger, established organisations. Emma Jones, Founder of Enterprise Nation explains what she believes is behind the rising trend:

At the beginning of the year, the team at SME Loans conducted a survey to reveal the business aspirations of the British nation. The survey evidenced that a huge 64% of the British workforce wants to set up a business. When looking at the driving factors for entrepreneurship, our results correlated with Emma Jones sentiment:

• 43.7% want to set up a business in order to earn more money
• 42.3% want to set up a business in order to be their own boss

As part of the research, we also asked participants:

The results were interesting and perhaps surprising, starting up a business alone came out as the second most popular choice after a spouse or partner.

Micro Businesses Across The UK

With the number of microbusinesses increasing, evidence shows that the majority are predominantly home-based and linked to family relations that own and run them. Families in London and the South East account for over 1/3 of Britain’s microbusinesses. This is typically because families in these areas are often seeking to gain extra sources of income by turning hobbies into money-making professions.

Parliament Statistics reveal that in 2018 there were 5.4 million microbusinesses in the UK, employing 0 – 9 people, these businesses accounted for 33% overall employment and 21% of UK turnover.

The table below reveals a regional breakdown of the number of microbusinesses across the UK:

Micro Business Queries

Ahrefs is an online tool that uses algorithms to provide accurate SEO analysis. Using Ahrefs we have gathered together the most popular search queries in relation to micro businesses that Google receives year on year:

GVA & Employment

According to Vistaprint’s Global Micro-Business Impact Report, the UK has the 4th highest global number of microbusinesses per capita, with 81 microbusinesses to every 1,000 people.

Despite there being so many of these type of businesses in the country, UK microbusinesses contribute less to Gross Value Added (GVA – measures the value of goods and services provided by a country) and overall employment levels when compared to other countries…

The Global Micro-Business Impact Report

Microbusinesses are responsible for making up a big ⅕ of the UK economy at 20.4%. This is just under the global average of 20.5%. Research from Experian reveals that:

• 1 in 5 micro businesses across the UK operate on a turnover less than £50,000
• Just over 235,000 micro businesses have a turnover of more than £1 million
• The average turnover of UK micro businesses stands at £286,879

Oliver Harcourt, head of Vistaprint UK, the company which produced the Global Micro-Business Impact Report, had this to say:

Research from Experian reveals that:

• 1 in 5 micro businesses across the UK operate on a turnover less than £50,000
• Just over 235,000 micro businesses have a turnover of more than £1 million
• The average turnover of UK micro businesses stands at £286,879

London’s Micro Businesses

Not all microbusinesses want to grow exponentially. We heard form many businesses that their concerns right now in London are how to survive: can I afford to stay where I am? Can I afford the staff? How do I plan for the long term?” – Susan Hall AM, Chairman of the Economy Committee.

In a report by the London Assembly, the concerns of micro businesses across London were discussed. In London alone, micro businesses:

• Generated £277.3 billion of turnover in 2018
• Produce 27% of all London turnover
• Created 282,000 jobs in the last 5 years
• Are the fastest growing type of business in London

The London Assembly also ran a summer survey of 200 micro business owners in London. Immediate challenges recognised were:

• 59% reported difficulties attracting new customers and expanding into new markets
• 58% worried about the cost of doing business in London
• 44% struggled dealing with income volatility, predominantly from late payments
• 38% are worried about finding suitable workspace or retail space. Rising living and renting costs in the city are making it increasingly difficult to afford space. London’s costly new builds do not suit micro businesses.

The report brought up a number of interesting talking points. Key takeaways included:

• Micro businesses are keen to learn from similar sized businesses, through direct, co-working events and trade associations
• Existing micro businesses are finding it hard to access existing business support in the UK. 2/3 of the businesses surveyed were not aware of the London Growth Hub
• Getting finance remains a key concern – microbusinesses feel that existing solutions predominantly target and bring success for high growth businesses.
• London’s high operating costs are a serious threat to microbusinesses survival rates.

Frequently Asked Questions