Record number of private sector businesses

According to official government figures, the number of private sector businesses in the UK hita record high of 5.7 million at the start of 2017.

Annual statistics from the Department for Business, Industry, Energy and Strategy showed a year-on-year rise of 197,000, compared to the same period in 2016. It was also found that the number of firms in 2017 is also 2.2 million higher than at the start of the millennium, with 4.5 million businesses in operation back in the year 2000.

Those starting a business have largely been behind the year-on-year rise with sole traders and the self-employed accounting for an incredible 79% of the overall increase.

Small businesses alone accounted for 99.3% of all private sector businesses at the start of 2017 and this figure rises to 99.9% when you factor in medium-sized firms.

SMEs also contributed an impressive £1.9 trillion to the economy in combined annual turnover last year, accounting for 51% of all private sector turnover in 2017.

The data also shows that 60% of the UK business population is now made up of sole traders, while 33% are companies and 7% are partnerships. Commenting about what this means for the country, Margot James, minister for small business, said:

“The UK now has nearly 200,000 more small businesses since last year – meaning more jobs, more opportunities and more choice. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our Industrial Strategy is building an environment in which they can continue to thrive.”

If you’re thinking of starting a business and would like advice on anything from company registration and management accounting to completing your self-assessment tax return or growing your business, please feel free to contact PKB Accountants and our experts will be more than happy to help