2.4.2 - UK Business Stats

Question 1

As of early 2025, how many private sector businesses are in the UK?

Answer 1

As of early 2025, there are approximately 5.5 million private sector businesses in the UK

Question 2

What was total SME (small medium enterprise) employment in 2025?

Answer 2

Total SME employment in 2025 was 16.1 million (around 61% of all private jobs)

Question 3

The 8000 large firms (250+ employees) in the UK accounted for…

Answer 3

The 8000 large firms (250+ employees) in the UK accounted for 45% of the overall earnings

Question 4

How many businesses in the UK are sole proprietorships (Sole traders)?

Answer 4

More than half 4.1 million businesses in the UK are sole proprietorships (sole traders)

Question 5

Of the private sector businesses across the UK, how many businesses have employees and how many don’t?

Answer 5

Around 1.38 million businesses have employees, while approximately 4.1 million businesses have no employees (Self-employed)