Online retail leads UK startup scene, uncovering more than 24,000 fresh businesses
UK 2025 Business Landscape: Online Retail Takes the Lead
In 2025, 24,240 new firms registered under retail sales via Internet or mail order dominated the UK startup scene, according to a review from manufacturing software provider MRPeasy.
Top Ten Business Classifications
- Retail sales via Internet or mail order – 24,240 ventures
- Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate – 22,321 new businesses
- Buying and selling of own real estate – 16,741 registrations
- Management consultancy activities – 13,881 firms
- Information technology consultancy activities – 9,478 new firms
- Take‑away food shops and mobile food stands – 7,337 businesses
- Other business support service activities (n.e.c.) – 7,074 new companies
- Business and domestic software development – 7,044 registrations
- Activities of other holding companies (n.e.c.) – 6,473 new firms
Broader Sector Totals
When grouped into broad categories, the 2025 data show:
- Wholesale and retail trade – 83,090 new businesses
- Real estate activities – 49,714 firms
- Professional, scientific and technical activities – 41,990 registrations
- Information and communication – 37,326 new businesses
- Construction – 34,782 registrations
Low‑Activity Traditional Industries
Traditional sectors attracted the least new activity:
- Mining and quarrying – only 373 new registrations
- Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply – 643 firms
- Water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities – 1,125 new businesses
- Public administration and defence; compulsory social security – 1,171 firms
- Agriculture, forestry and fishing – 1,652 registrations
Key Take‑aways
The data underline a clear trend: digital and e‑commerce ventures now spearhead the UK entrepreneurial scene. The pandemic’s lasting shift in consumer habits has opened robust opportunities for new online retail businesses.
