The number of private sector businesses in the UK has hit 5.4 million, smashing a new record, according to official figures.

The Business Population Estimates also show the number of businesses that employ people has grown for the second year running, with 35,000 more at the start of 2015 than in 2014.

“It’s fantastic news there are now a record number of businesses in the UK, creating jobs and ensuring our country’s economic security,” Business Minister Anna Soubry commented.

Small businesses continue to make up 99.3% of all businesses and generate over £1 trillion turnover for the UK’s economy.

There has also been an increase in the number of medium-sized businesses, which employ between 50 and 249 people, with 1,000 more of these firms at the start of 2015 than in 2014.

The figures also show there are 7,000 large businesses in the UK that employ over 10 million people and make a significant contribution to the economy (£2 trillion turnover).

The overall business population includes 3.3 million sole proprietors and 1.6 million companies.

“With risks in the global economy, this government is determined to continue to back our businesses and grow our economy,” Soubry concluded.

“It’s fantastic news there are now a record number of businesses in the UK, creating jobs and ensuring our country’s economic security,” Business Minister Anna Soubry commented.

Small businesses continue to make up 99.3% of all businesses and generate over £1 trillion turnover for the UK’s economy.

There has also been an increase in the number of medium-sized businesses, which employ between 50 and 249 people, with 1,000 more of these firms at the start of 2015 than in 2014.

The figures also show there are 7,000 large businesses in the UK that employ over 10 million people and make a significant contribution to the economy (£2 trillion turnover).

The overall business population includes 3.3 million sole proprietors and 1.6 million companies.

“With risks in the global economy, this government is determined to continue to back our businesses and grow our economy,” Soubry concluded.

 

 

 

 

Robert joined the HRreview editorial team in October 2015. After graduating from the University of Salford in 2009 with a BA in Politics, Robert has spent several years working in print and online journalism in Manchester and London. In the past he has been part of editorial teams at Flux Magazine, Mondo*Arc Magazine and The Marine Professional.