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UK Debt Statistics

UK Debt Statistics Report:

  • Outstanding mortgage lending stood at £1,584.8 billion at the end of April 2022, an increase of £62.3 billion from a year earlier.
  • The average UK house price in May 2022 was £289,099, rising by 3.2% in the three months to May 2022 and by 10.5% in the year to May 2022.
  • The average house price for first-time buyers in Great Britain was £234,468 in April 2022, an annual increase of 11.8% and a monthly change of 1.1%.
  • Private rental prices in the UK rose by 2.8% in the 12 months to May 2022, with the median rent in England being £795 and £1,450 in London.
  • In 2020-2021, 34.7% of households owned their home outright, 30.1% had a mortgage, 18.5% rented privately, and 16.6% paid a social rent.
  • At the end of Q1 2022, there were 152,929 mortgage loan accounts with arrears of more than 1.5% of the current loan balance, a 10.4% decrease from Q1 2021.
  • UK Finance estimated that 580 homeowner properties were taken into possession in the UK in Q1 2022, up from 200 in Q1 2021, approaching pre-pandemic levels.

uk debt statistics

Daily Debt Statistics

  • The UK population increased by approximately 777 individuals daily from 2019 to 2020.
  • Average daily household expenditure on utilities (water, electricity, and gas) in the UK amounts to £4.15.
  • From March to May 2022, 342 people were declared insolvent or bankrupt daily in England and Wales, equating to one person every 4 minutes and 13 seconds.
  • In April 2022, Northern Ireland experienced 4.6 insolvencies daily, while Scotland saw 21.0 insolvencies daily in the three months leading up to March 2022.
  • England and Wales’ Citizens Advice Bureaux handled 2,030 debt-related issues daily in the year ending May 2022.
  • Between January and March 2022, 6.4 UK properties were repossessed daily, or one every 3 hours and 43 minutes.
  • Daily decrease of UK mortgages with over 2.5% arrears in the remaining balance was 22.8 in the year ending March 2022.
  • The number of unemployed individuals in the UK decreased by 973 daily in the twelve months leading up to April 2022.
  • 629 people reported redundancy daily from February to April 2022.
  • Net lending to UK individuals and housing associations increased by £190.3 million daily in April 2022.
  • UK government debt rose by £554 million daily in the three months up to May 2022.
  • Borrowers paid £126 million in interest daily in April 2022.
  • The average daily cost of raising a child for a couple in the UK is £24.44, from birth until 18 years of age.
  • Lone parents in the UK spend an average of £29.50 per day on raising a child.
  • Daily mortgage possession claims and orders in England and Wales from January to March 2022 were 32.1 and 25.5, respectively.
  • During the same period, 211 landlord possession claims and 144.2 landlord possession orders were made daily.

Current Cost of Living Crisis in the UK

  • 8 out of 10 workers who worked from home during the pandemic plan to continue hybrid working after restrictions lifted, with the proportion of hybrid workers increasing from 13% in February 2022 to 24% in May 2022, while exclusive remote workers decreased from 22% to 14% (ONS).
  • Families with two children face an estimated 13% annual increase in costs, outpacing the official inflation rate of 9.1%, leading to approximately £400 more in monthly expenses for essentials like food, rent, and heating (Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Loughborough University).
  • 63% of ethnic minority individuals experienced a negative impact on their cost of living due to the pandemic, compared to 59% of all UK adults (LifeSearch Health, Wealth and Happiness Index).
  • 46% of people receiving assistance from Citizen’s Advice have a negative budget, meaning their essential spending surpasses their income (Citizen’s Advice).
  • 74% of adults reported their mental health being negatively affected in the past two years, with 28% attributing it to the rising cost of living, followed by 27% citing Covid restrictions (LifeSearch Health, Wealth and Happiness Index).

Personal Debt in the UK

  • As of April 2022, total personal debt in the UK reached £1,786.6 billion, with £1,584.8 billion in secured mortgage debt and £201.9 billion in unsecured consumer debt, including £60.9 billion in credit card debt.
  • UK personal debt increased by £67.1 billion from April 2021 to April 2022, resulting in an additional £1,269.14 per adult.
  • Average total debt per household (including mortgages) stood at £64,286, and per adult at £33,780, or 105.3% of average earnings, as of April 2022.
  • Over a 12-month period, the UK’s total interest payments on personal debt amounted to £46,133 million, averaging £126 million per day.
  • Office for Budget Responsibility’s March 2022 forecast predicts household debt to rise from £2,019 billion in 2020 to £2,447 billion in 2025, making the average total household debt £85,906.
  • Consumer credit debt reached £201.9 billion by April 2022, with outstanding credit card debt at £60.9 billion.
  • Total net lending to individuals and housing associations increased by £5.7 billion in April 2022, with net mortgage lending rising by £4.6 billion and net consumer credit lending increasing by £593 million.
  • In Q1 2022, lenders wrote off £773 million, including £270 million in credit card debt.
  • Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales dealt with 2,030 debt issues daily in the year to May 2022.
  • In Scotland, Citizens Advice Scotland gave 79,122 pieces of advice in April 2022, with debt advice comprising 10% of the total.
  • In Northern Ireland, Advice NI’s Debt Action service handled 357 cases involving debt issues in May 2022, covering £1.6 million of debt.
  • StepChange Debt Charity assisted 12,500 new clients in April 2022, with 64% having credit card debt, 46% with personal loan debt, 33% with overdrafts, and 35% with catalogue debt.
  • 31,435 individual insolvencies occurred in England and Wales from March to May 2022, equivalent to 342 people per day or one person every 4 minutes and 13 seconds.
  • In Northern Ireland, there were 144 individual insolvencies in May 2022, or 4.6 per day.
  • In Scotland, there were 1,894 personal insolvencies from January to March 2022, or 21.0 per day.
  • 2,494 Consumer County Court Judgements (CCJs) were issued daily in England and Wales from January to March 2022, while in Northern Ireland, there were 10 consumer debt judgements per day, and in Scotland, 43 consumer debt decrees were registered daily.

Mortgages, Rent, and Housing

  • Mortgage debt in the UK increased to £1,584.8 billion at the end of April 2022, up £62.3 billion from a year earlier.
  • The average outstanding mortgage for households with mortgage debt was £144,332 in April 2022.
  • Average mortgage interest rates were 2.05% at the end of April 2022, with new loans having an average interest rate of 1.83%.
  • Gross mortgage lending in Q1 2022 was £76.9 billion, 7.5% lower than the same quarter in the previous year.
  • House prices in the UK increased by 11.2% in May 2022, with the average price reaching £289,099.
  • First-time buyer average house price was £234,468 in April 2022, with a typical deposit of 23% of the purchase cost or £53,928.
  • Private rental prices in the UK increased by 2.8% in the 12 months to May 2022, with the median rent in England at £795.
  • The percentage of outright homeowners was 34.7%, while 30.1% were mortgagors, 18.5% rented privately, and 16.6% paid social rent.
  • Mortgage loan accounts with arrears of more than 1.5% of the current loan balance were 152,929 at the end of Q1 2022, down 10.4% from Q1 2021.
  • There were 580 homeowner property possessions in Q1 2022, up from 200 in Q1 2021, approaching pre-pandemic levels.

Arrears and Repossessions in the UK

  • At the end of Q1 2022, there were 152,929 mortgage loan accounts with arrears of more than 1.5% of the current loan balance, representing a 1.1% decrease from the previous quarter and a 10.4% decrease from Q1 2021.
  • In Q1 2022, 49.3% of payments due for loans in arrears were received.
  • UK Finance reported that 75,670 (0.85%) of homeowner mortgages had arrears equivalent to at least 2.5% of the outstanding mortgage balance in Q1 2022, marking a 5.0% decrease from the previous quarter.
  • Over the last year, mortgages in arrears have decreased by an average of 22.8 per day.
  • UK Finance estimated that 580 homeowner properties were taken into possession in Q1 2022, up from 200 in Q1 2021, which equates to 6.4 properties per day or one property every three hours and forty-three minutes.
  • In England and Wales, between January and March 2022, an average of 32.1 mortgage possession claims were issued, and 25.5 mortgage possession orders were made daily.
  • During the same period, 211 landlord possession claims were issued, and 144.2 landlord possession orders were made daily.
  • Compared to Q4 2019, mortgage possession claims fell by 54%, orders by 48%, landlord possession claims by 25%, and landlord possession orders by 37%. This decrease was due to the forbearance action by the Government and the FCA in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Possession claims and orders increased in Q2 and Q3 2021 from the low levels observed in mid-2020.

Sources:

UK Food Delivery Market Size

The food delivery market has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by advancements in technology and evolving consumer preferences for convenience and variety.

In the United Kingdom, this industry reached an estimated £10 billion in 2022, accounting for 4.65% of the global food delivery market.

REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:

UK vs Global vs Us Food Delivery Market Size

  • In 2022, the UK food delivery market was valued at £10 billion.
  • Comparatively, the global food delivery market size reached £215 billion the same year.
  • The US market alone accounted for £50 billion in 2022.
  • The UK held a 4.65% share of the global food delivery market in 2022.
  • Meanwhile, the US commanded a 23.26% share.
  • The UK food delivery market experienced a 7% annual growth rate in 2022.
  • Globally, the market grew by 9% during the same period.
  • The US market saw an 8% annual growth rate in 2022.

UK Foodservice Market by Type of Restaurant

  • 28% quick service restaurants, 38% full-service restaurants, 31% cafes and bars, 2% street food

Here is how to global chart looks like:

food service market type
Chart by deloitte.com

Global Food Delivery Trends

  • In 2019, the global worth of Italian cuisine reached €236 billion, reflecting a growth of over 6% from €209 billion in 2017.
  • Italian cuisine accounts for 18% of the worldwide full-service restaurant market.
  • Italian cuisine’s value is greater in China (29%) and the US (24%) than in Italy (16%) itself.
  • US and Brazil are the top countries in terms of Italian cuisine penetration overseas, both at 28%.
  • In the leading 5 European nations (including the UK), European cuisines make up 44% of the foodservice market.
  • With a market share of over 30% Italian cuisine dominates the European cuisines landscape and is projected to grow further.
  • Authentic Italian products hold enormous potential.
  • The value of such products is nearly triple that of Italian food exports.

Food Delivery Trends in the UK

  • A 27% increase has been observed in food service delivery users ordering lunch to spend time with their partners.

This trend presents an opportunity to target couples working from home by offering lunchtime deals for two.

What The Big Brands Are Doing

  • Pub and bar delivery availability experienced a 25% increase YoY, with nearly half of brands now offering this service.
  • Contemporary fast food brands, like Five Guys and Tortilla, have joined forces with Deliveroo Editions.
  • Other examples include Vintage Inns, Ember Inns, O’Neill’s, Chef & Brewer, and Farmhouse Inns, which all saw a 25% increase in delivery availability.
  • McDonald’s has experimented with a new concept to accommodate increased delivery volumes without affecting the dine-in experience.
  • In November 2021, McDonald’s piloted the “Convenience of the Future” model, which: Provides a separate entrance and waiting area for delivery drivers. Reduces disruptions to customers by keeping couriers away from dining areas.
  • Wagamama introduced BOX, a lunchtime delivery concept designed for remote and office workers in 2 cities: London and Leeds.
  • On-demand groceries contributed to around 11% of Deliveroo’s revenue in the first half of its financial year, up from 9% the previous year.
  • Deliveroo reported full-year revenues of nearly £2 billion for the year ending December 31, 2022, marking a 13.8% increase from the previous year.
  • The company’s pre-loss stood at £230.6 million, which is an improvement from the £281.8 million loss reported a year earlier.

What UK Customers Want

  • 53% of respondents try to buy healthier snack items, such as reduced sugar or lower-calorie options.
  • 50% find calorie information on menus useful.
  • 48% are attempting to reduce their meat consumption.
  • 46% appreciate menus offering lower-calorie versions of signature dishes.
  • 44% are trying to cut down on their alcohol consumption.
  • 39% feel motivated to exercise and maintain a balanced diet

Latest Statistics (Updated in January 2023)

  • UK rapid delivery companies are experiencing a reduction in riders and warehouse closures.
  • Major player Gorillas has retreated from five UK towns and cities, leading to a downsized workforce.
  • Getir, an on-demand grocer, has placed some UK stores in “hibernation” and trimmed its employee count.
  • Zapp, a London-based competitor, has slashed its workforce by 10% and exited Bristol, Cambridge, and Manchester.
  • As delivery discounts wane, on-demand grocery app downloads and usage have declined.
  • Low profit margins on food items, typically ranging from 1-5%, make it difficult for firms to become profitable.
  • To reduce expenses and showcase a route to profitability, some rapid delivery firms are resorting to gig economy riders.

UK Food Delivery Market

Tthe food delivery market has experienced significant growth in recent years, with the UK market demonstrating remarkable progress.

This report highlighted key trends, including the rise of delivery services for pubs and bars, innovative delivery concepts, and an increased focus on health-conscious options.

Additionally, it emphasized the continued popularity of Italian cuisine worldwide and the growing presence of on-demand grocery services within the food delivery sector.

Businesses within the food delivery market need to stay updated on these trends and adapt accordingly to capitalize on the opportunities they present.

By catering to the evolving preferences and needs of consumers, companies can successfully navigate the competitive landscape and ensure a sustainable future in the thriving food delivery market.

Sources:

Food Box Market Size UK

Welcome to our comprehensive analysis of the thriving UK food box market!

food box

As an essential sector in the food industry, meal kit deliveries have transformed the way we approach cooking and meal planning.

In this report, we’ll explore the UK food box market landscape, shedding light on the factors contributing to its impressive growth and the opportunities it presents.

Introduction to the UK Food Box Market

Get ready to embark on a journey through the ins and outs of this ever-evolving market, as we uncover the key players, trends, and innovations that have shaped it.

By the end of this report, you’ll have a solid understanding of the market dynamics and the factors driving its success, equipping you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and strategies in this competitive space.

Stay with us as we dive into the world of food boxes and discover what makes them so appealing to the UK consumer.

Growth Trends in the Food Box Market

As we delve into the booming UK food box market, it’s essential to understand the remarkable growth trends that have propelled it to new heights. In just a year, the revenue from meal kits in the UK skyrocketed from 1.25 million USD in 2021 to an astonishing 1.5 billion USD in 2022. This meteoric rise shows no signs of slowing down, with forecasts indicating continued growth in the coming years.

So, what’s driving this massive surge in demand for meal kits? A combination of factors can be attributed to this success, including convenience, variety, and consumers’ increasing desire for healthier, home-cooked meals.

Additionally, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has led to a shift in consumer behaviour, with more people staying at home and seeking meal solutions that fit their busy lifestyles.

Moreover, the food box market has embraced innovation and technology to stay ahead of the curve, adapting to the rapidly changing needs of consumers.

From user-friendly mobile apps to advanced meal customization options, these innovations have played a crucial role in making meal kits an indispensable part of our daily lives.

In the next sections, we’ll explore these factors in more detail, offering you a comprehensive understanding of the forces shaping this dynamic market.

Food Waste Reduction and Its Impact on Meal Kits

In today’s environmentally-conscious society, the issue of food waste has taken centre stage, and the UK food box market has risen to the challenge. According to Wrap research, UK households threw away 6.6 million tonnes of food in 2018, a significant decrease from 8.1 million tonnes in 2007.

This positive trend can be partly attributed to the growing popularity of meal kits, which offer pre-portioned ingredients and reduce the likelihood of waste.

Meal kit companies have tapped into consumers’ desire for sustainability and waste reduction, incorporating eco-friendly practices into their business models.

From using recyclable packaging to sourcing local ingredients, these companies have demonstrated their commitment to minimizing their environmental impact while still providing convenience and quality to their customers.

Furthermore, the precise portioning of ingredients in meal kits not only reduces waste but also helps consumers manage their food budget more effectively. By cutting down on excess food purchases, households can save money while contributing to a more sustainable future.

Innovations in the Food Industry: Online Supermarkets and Q-Commerce

The food industry has witnessed a wave of innovations in recent years, with technology playing a pivotal role in reshaping the way we shop, cook, and consume food. Online supermarkets, app-based takeaway services, and Q-commerce (quick commerce) services have emerged as popular alternatives to traditional brick-and-mortar stores, offering unmatched convenience and speedy delivery.

Online supermarkets have made grocery shopping a seamless experience, with customers enjoying the luxury of ordering groceries from the comfort of their homes. These digital platforms have also paved the way for a more personalised shopping experience, with tailored recommendations and promotional offers based on customers’ preferences and shopping habits.

App-based takeaway services have also experienced a surge in popularity, catering to consumers’ on-demand lifestyle and desire for instant gratification. Q-commerce services take this a step further, promising ultra-fast delivery times, often within an hour or less.

The meal kit industry has also harnessed the power of technology to stay competitive and relevant in this fast-paced environment. With user-friendly websites and mobile apps, customers can effortlessly browse meal options, customise their orders, and schedule deliveries according to their preferences.

As we further explore the UK food box market, we’ll delve into the strategies adopted by meal kit companies to capitalise on these technological innovations, ensuring they stay ahead of the curve and cater to the ever-evolving needs of their customers. Stay tuned as we uncover the role of technology in shaping the future of the food industry.

The Rise of Meal Kit Companies in the UK

As the UK food box market continues to grow at an impressive rate, numerous meal kit companies have emerged to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of consumers. These companies have successfully differentiated themselves by offering a wide range of meal options, targeting specific dietary requirements, and delivering exceptional customer experiences.

From vegan and gluten-free options to gourmet recipes and family-friendly meal plans, meal kit companies have gone above and beyond to cater to every palate. This versatility has made them increasingly popular among consumers, who appreciate the convenience and variety offered by these services.

In addition to their diverse offerings, meal kit companies have leveraged technology and data analytics to better understand their customers and fine-tune their marketing strategies. By analysing search visibility, keyword opportunities, and page speed, these companies have been able to optimise their online presence, reaching a broader audience and driving business growth.

Furthermore, meal kit companies have embraced social media, engaging with customers through targeted content, brand mentions, and influencer partnerships. These strategies have helped them build strong online communities and foster brand loyalty, ensuring their long-term success in the competitive food box market.

Global Meal Kit Delivery Market Overview

To truly appreciate the UK food box market’s remarkable growth, it’s essential to understand the global context in which it operates. The meal kit delivery market has experienced a worldwide surge, with total revenue reaching 15.5 billion USD in 2022. This figure is expected to grow even further, hitting an impressive 25.62 billion USD by 2027.

This global success can be attributed to many of the same factors driving the UK market, including convenience, versatility, and an increased focus on healthy, home-cooked meals. As consumers around the world seek out innovative solutions to their meal planning needs, meal kit companies have risen to the challenge, providing tailored options that cater to a diverse array of preferences and lifestyles.

Moreover, the global meal kit market has been propelled by advancements in supply chain management, logistics, and technology. These improvements have enabled meal kit companies to operate more efficiently, reduce costs, and provide better service to their customers.

Future Outlook and Projections for the UK Food Box Market

As we conclude our in-depth analysis of the UK food box market, it’s time to look ahead and consider the future prospects for this thriving industry. With continued growth anticipated over the next few years, meal kit companies have ample opportunities to innovate, expand, and solidify their positions in the market.

The key to success in this ever-evolving landscape lies in staying ahead of consumer trends and leveraging technology to deliver exceptional customer experiences. As more people turn to meal kit services for convenience and variety, companies must continue to innovate, offering a diverse range of meal options and catering to specific dietary needs.

Sustainability will also play a crucial role in the future of the UK food box market, with environmentally-conscious consumers seeking out brands that align with their values. Meal kit companies that prioritize eco-friendly practices, such as reducing packaging waste and sourcing local ingredients, will be better positioned to attract and retain customers in the long run.

Furthermore, the integration of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, will help meal kit companies streamline their operations, improve their marketing strategies, and offer more personalised experiences for their customers.

By keeping a close eye on emerging trends and remaining agile in the face of change, meal kit companies can capitalize on the opportunities presented by the UK food box market’s continued growth. As we wrap up this comprehensive report, we hope you’ve gained valuable insights and a deeper understanding of the factors driving this dynamic and exciting industry.

Fraud Statistics UK

According to recent reports, fraud in the UK has surged to an all-time high, costing businesses and individuals billions of pounds every year.

fraud uk

Also read: Number Of UK Businesses and Entrepreneur Statistics in the UK

From identity theft to financial scams, the types of fraud are as diverse as the culprits who commit them. And with the advent of modern technology, the ways in which fraudsters operate have become more sophisticated, making it even more difficult to detect and prevent fraudulent activities.

Card Fraud UK

Value: £574m

  • In 2020, Remote Purchase (CNP) fraud was valued at £452.6 million, which represents a decrease of 4% from 2019.
  • E-commerce fraud accounted for £376.5 million of CNP fraud in 2020, which represents an increase of 4% from 2019.
  • Counterfeit fraud decreased by 32% from £12.8 million in 2019 to £8.7 million in 2020.
  • Loss & Stolen fraud decreased by 17% from £94.8 million in 2019 to £78.9 million in 2020.
  • Card ID Theft fraud decreased by 21% from £37.7 million in 2019 to £29.7 million in 2020.
  • Card non-receipt fraud decreased by 15% from £5.2 million in 2019 to £4.4 million in 2020.
  • The total value of fraud in the UK was £574.2 million in 2020, which represents a decrease of 7% from 2019.
  • In the UK, fraud abroad was valued at £159.7 million in 2020, which represents a decrease of 6% from 2019.

Card Fraud Volumes

  • In 2020, Remote Purchase (CNP) fraud on UK-issued credit and debit cards had a volume of over 2,400,000, which represents an increase of 12% from 2019.
  • Counterfeit (skimmed/cloned) fraud had a volume of 52,782 in 2020, which represents a decrease of 20% from 2019.
  • Fraud on lost or stolen cards had a volume of 322,000 in 2020, which represents a decrease of 30% from 2019.
  • Card ID theft fraud had a volume of 34,545 in 2020, which represents a decrease of 36% from 2019.
  • Card non-receipt fraud had a volume of 8,435 in 2020, which represents an increase of 7% from 2019.
  • The total volume of card fraud on UK-issued credit and debit cards was 2,835,622 in 2020, which represents an increase of 3% from 2019.

Unauthorised remote UK banking fraud

Value: £197m

Remote Banking Fraud Losses 2013-2020

  • In 2020, internet banking fraud had losses of £159.7 million, which represents an increase of 43% from 2019.
  • Telephone banking fraud had losses of £16.1 million in 2020, which represents a decrease of 32% from 2019.
  • Mobile banking fraud had losses of £21.6 million in 2020, which represents an increase of 41% from 2019.
  • The total remote banking fraud losses in 2020 were £197.3 million, which represents an increase of 31% from 2019.

Volumes 2013-2020

  • In 2020, internet banking fraud had 55,995 cases, which represents an increase of 117% from 2019.
  • Telephone banking fraud had 7,490 cases in 2020, which represents a decrease of 33% from 2019.
  • Mobile banking fraud had 10,155 cases in 2020, which represents an increase of 48% from 2019.
  • The total remote banking fraud cases in 2020 were 73,640, which represents an increase of 68% from 2019.

Romance scams UK

Value: £21m

Romance scams involve fraudsters using fake profiles on social media or dating websites to target victims and establish a long-term relationship.

Once the victim’s trust is gained, the criminal will request multiple payments for supposed issues such as visa problems or health issues.

In 2020, there was a 38% increase in the number of romance scam cases and a 17% increase in value to £21.2 million. The average number of payments per case was around five, and romance scams accounted for 2% of total APP scam cases and 4% of total value.

Only £8.1 million of the losses were returned due to payments being made over an extended period.

Romance scam cases reported 2019 – 2020

Volume:

  • In 2020, the volume of personal fraud cases was 2,947, which represents an increase of 38% from 2019.
  • In 2020, the volume of non-personal fraud cases was 37, which represents an increase of 42% from 2019.
  • The total volume of fraud cases in 2020 was 2,984, which represents an increase of 38% from 2019.
  • The volume of payments in 2020 was 14,745, which represents an increase of 35% from 2019.
  • The volume of fraud payments in 2020 was 127, which represents an increase of 108% from 2019.

Value:

  • In 2020, the value of personal fraud was £20.6m, which represents an increase of 15% from 2019.
  • In 2020, the value of non-personal fraud was £0.5m, which represents an increase of 388% from 2019.
  • The total value of fraud in 2020 was £21.2m, which represents an increase of 17% from 2019.
  • In 2020, the amount reimbursed for personal fraud was £8m, which represents an increase of 244% from 2019.
  • In 2020, the amount reimbursed for non-personal fraud was £0.1m, which represents an increase of 314% from 2019.
  • The total amount reimbursed for fraud in 2020 was £8.1m, which represents an increase of 244% from 2019.

Advance fee scams in the UK

Value £23m

Advance fee scam cases reported

  • The total volume of advance fee scam cases reported in 2020 was 14,128, which represents a 32% increase from 2019.
  • Of the total cases reported in 2020, 359 were classified as non-personal, which represents a 77% increase from 2019.
  • In 2020, the total value of reported advance fee scam cases was £23.0 million, which represents a 34% increase from 2019.
  • In 2020, £8 million was reimbursed to victims of advance fee scam cases, which represents a 252% increase from 2019.
  • The total volume of advance fee scam payments made in 2020 was 24,026, which represents a 40% increase from 2019.
  • Of the total payments made in 2020, 526 were classified as non-personal, which represents a 91% increase from 2019.
  • In 2020, the value of non-personal advance fee scam cases was £1.1 million, which represents a 13% decrease from 2019.
  • In 2020, the value of personal advance fee scam cases was £21.9 million, which represents a 38% increase from 2019.
  • In 2020, £7.7 million was reimbursed to victims of personal advance fee scam cases, which represents a 260% increase from 2019.

Resources:

Number Of Businesses in the UK

Report Highlights:

  • In the UK at the beginning of 2022, there were a total of 5.5 million private sector businesses.
  • The private sector business population has experienced a decline of 1.5% or 82,000 businesses in comparison to the year 2021.

UK Business Statistics

More statistics: Employee Turnover Rate UK, Average Debt, Entrepreneur Statistics and UK Esports Market Size

Number of businesses, Employment, and Turnover

The following data presents the estimated number of businesses, employment, and turnover in the UK private sector at the start of 2022, categorized by the size of the business.

  • All businesses in the UK private sector employed approximately 5.5 million people and generated a turnover of £4.16 trillion.
  • Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK private sector employed over 5.5 million people and generated a turnover of £2.12 trillion.
  • Small businesses with 0-49 employees in the UK private sector employed over 5.4 million people and generated a turnover of £1.42 trillion.
  • Businesses with no employees in the UK private sector employed over 4 million people and generated a turnover of £278 million.
  • All employers in the UK private sector employed over 1.4 million people and generated a turnover of £3.88 trillion.
  • Employers with 1 to 9 employees in the UK private sector employed over 1.1 million people and generated a turnover of £530 billion.
  • Businesses with 10 to 49 employees in the UK private sector employed over 200,000 people and had a turnover of £609 billion.
  • 50 to 249 employee businesses in the UK private sector employed over 35,000 people and generated a turnover of £708 billion.
  • Employers with 250 or more employees in the UK private sector employed over 7,000 people and generated a turnover of £2.03 trillion.

The contribution of large businesses in the UK to employment and turnover is significant, but SMEs continue to dominate the private sector, accounting for three-fifths of the employment and around half of the turnover; at the beginning of 2022:

  • Total employment in SMEs was 16.4 million, which accounts for 61% of the total employment, and the estimated turnover was £2.1 trillion, representing 51% of the total turnover.
  • Employment in small businesses was 12.9 million (48%) with a turnover of £1.4 trillion (34%).
  • Employment in medium-sized businesses was 3.5 million (13%) with a turnover of £0.7 trillion (17%).
  • Employment in large businesses was 10.6 million (39%) with a turnover of £2.0 trillion (49%).

UK Private Sector

In the UK private sector, there are three main legal forms of businesses: sole proprietorships, ordinary partnerships, and companies, with sole proprietorships being the most common form. At the beginning of 2022:

  • The private sector business population consisted of 3.1 million sole proprietorships, representing 56% of the total, 2.1 million actively trading companies (37%), and 353,000 ordinary partnerships (6%).
  • 1.1 million companies, 220,000 sole proprietorships, and 95,000 ordinary partnerships were employers.
  • 2.9 million sole proprietorships, 932,000 companies, and 257,000 ordinary partnerships did not employ anyone aside from the owner(s).

Just over three-quarters of UK private sector businesses are non-employers, and the majority of these are not registered for either VAT or PAYE; at the start of 2022:

  • The Office for National Statistics recorded 2.7 million private sector businesses as registered for VAT or PAYE, which is 49% of the estimated total population.
  • 2.8 million businesses (51%) traded without being registered for VAT or PAYE and are classified here as ‘unregistered’.
  • 14% of sole proprietorships and 52% of ordinary partnerships were registered for VAT or PAYE.

Business Population Trends

Regarding trends in the business population between 2000 and 2022:

  • The business population increased by 2.0 million (59%).
  • The highest rate of increase was 6.8% between 2013 and 2014, followed by 6.7% between 2003 and 2004.
  • In contrast, the decrease of 1.5% between 2021 and 2022 is only the third decrease in the series, all of which have occurred since 2017. The largest decrease was 6.5% between 2020 and 2021.
  • Between 2021 and 2022, the total business population decreased by 82,000 (1.5%), with 32,000 more (2.3%) employing businesses and 114,000 fewer (2.7%) non-employing businesses.
  • The decrease in non-employing businesses resulted from a decrease of 98,000 (3.3%) unregistered businesses, and a decrease in non-employing registered businesses of 16,000 (1.3%).

Non-employing and employing businesses in the UK (Private Sector)

The number of non-employing and employing businesses in the UK private sector has increased since 2000, with a decrease in non-employing businesses since 2020; overall, the number of SMEs has increased by 2.0 million (59%) since 2000, including 336,000 SME employers (30%).

  • The number of small employing businesses grew by 30%, the number of medium-sized employers grew by 34%, and the number of large businesses grew by 7%.
  • In the last year, the number of companies increased by 16,000 (1%), sole proprietorships decreased by 66,000 (2%), and ordinary partnerships decreased by 32,000 (8%).
  • Looking at the period between 2010 and 2022, the number of sole proprietorships grew by 335,000 (12%) and the number of companies increased by 794,000 (63%), in contrast, the number of ordinary partnerships fell by 103,000 (23%).

Employment Trends

  • Total employment across all private sector businesses increased from 27.0 million at the start of 2021 to 27.1 million at the start of 2022, an increase of 0.3%.
  • The SME share of total employment was 61% in 2022.
  • Total employment in SMEs increased from 16.3 million at the start of 2021 to 16.4 million at the start of 2022, an increase of 0.6%.

UK Business Regions

The distribution of private sector businesses is not even across the UK, with London and the South East of England having considerably more businesses than any other UK country or region of England; at the start of 2022, there were 4.8 million private sector businesses in England, 341,000 in Scotland, 219,000 in Wales, and 128,000 in Northern Ireland.

  • London (1.0 million) and the South East of England (844,000) had the most private sector businesses, accounting for 34% of the UK business population.
  • The North East had the fewest private sector businesses among the English regions (155,000).
  • In the last year, numbers of private sector businesses decreased by 86,000 in England and by 1,000 in Scotland, whilst numbers increased in both Wales (11,000) and Northern Ireland (4,000).
  • Since 2010, the number of businesses has increased in all the UK countries and regions, with the largest increase, in percentage terms, in London (44%), and the smallest percentage increase in Northern Ireland (7%).
  • London, the South West, the South East, and the East of England have the highest business density rates in the UK, based on the size of the resident adult population.
  • London (1,452) had the highest number of businesses per 10,000 adults, and the North East of England had the lowest business density rate (704) of any English region or UK country.

Women and UK Businesses

  • As of February 2022, 39.1% of FTSE100 directorships were held by women, and 85 FTSE100 companies had at least one third women representation on their board.
  • In the same period, 36.8% of FTSE250 directorships and 37.6% of FTSE350 directorships were held by women.
  • The government-backed voluntary target that FTSE100 boards should have a minimum of 25% female representation by 2015 was met, and as of 2022, the voluntary target is for FTSE 350 companies to reach 40% representation of women on boards and leadership teams by the end of 2025.
  • In terms of female entrepreneurship in the UK, in 2021 the male early-stage entrepreneurial activity (TEA) rate was 13.2%, and the female rate was 9.7%, with a female to male entrepreneur ratio of around 3 to 4 (73%).
  • The Alison Rose Review of Female Entrepreneurship in 2018 found that “up to £250 billion of new value could be added to the UK economy if women started and scaled new businesses at the same rate as UK men,” and recommended a number of measures to help female entrepreneurs reach their full potential.

Ethnic Groups in UK Businesses

  • The Parker Review recommended that each FTSE 100 board should have at least one director of colour by 2021 and each FTSE 250 board should have at least one director of colour by 2024.
  • The most recent Ernst & Young report found that 94 FTSE 100 companies had at least one director from a minority ethnic background as of May 2022, compared to 74 in November 2020.
  • 11 FTSE 100 companies had no minority ethnic directors on their boards as of December 2021.
  • 128 FTSE 250 companies had minority ethnic representation on their boards as of December 2021.
  • Overall, the survey found that of the 1,056 board positions on FTSE 100 companies, 155 (15%) were held by minority ethnic directors, with 76 (49%) being women.
  • All FTSE 100 companies responded to the survey, compared to 95 in November 2020.

Sources:

Average Employee Turnover Rate in the UK

Employee Turnover Statistics

  • The UK has one of the highest employee turnover rates in Europe, with an average of 16.8% of employees leaving their jobs per  year.
  • The cost of replacing an employee can range from 30% to 200% of their annual salary, depending on their level of skill and experience.
  • The hospitality industry has the highest turnover rate in the UK, with an average of 37.6% of employees leaving their jobs each year.
  • The retail industry also has a high turnover rate, with an average of 33.6% of employees leaving their jobs each year.
  • The healthcare and social care sector has a relatively low turnover rate, with an average of 14.8% of employees leaving their jobs each year.
  • The financial and insurance sector has an even lower turnover rate, with an average of 12.8% of employees leaving their jobs each year.

Average Employee turnover rate

UK employee turnover rates for each year between 2012 and 2021

Year Employee Turnover Rate (%)
2012 16.2%
2013 16.5%
2014 16.8%
2015 17.1%
2016 17.4%
2017 17.7%
2018 18.0%
2019 18.3%
2020 18.6%
2021 18.9%

Causes of Employee Turnover in the UK

  • Lack of job satisfaction is a leading cause of employee turnover, with 37% of employees who leave their jobs citing dissatisfaction as the main reason.
  • Poor management is another common reason for employee turnover, with 29% of employees who leave their jobs citing poor management as a factor.
  • Low pay is also a common reason for employee turnover, with 21% of employees who leave their jobs citing pay as a factor.
  • Lack of opportunities for career advancement is another factor that can contribute to employee turnover, with 19% of employees who leave their jobs citing a lack of opportunities as a reason.
  • A poor work-life balance can also lead to employee turnover, with 17% of employees who leave their jobs citing this as a factor.

Hospitality Turnover Rate and Statistics

  • The staff turnover rate throughout 2022 was around 6%.
  • 43% of businesses in the UK have reported operating with a lower than necessary number of staff, indicating that the country is experiencing similar workforce-related difficulties as other European nations.
  • 90% of hospitality business leaders anticipate experiencing a lack of staff in the near future.
  • In 2022, 69% of businesses in the food industry plan to increase their menu prices as a measure to address the issue of high food costs/inflation.
  • The market size of the hotel industry is at GBP 19.76 billion, still down from 2020 when it was at GBP 23.52 billion.
  • In 2023 there was a 46% increase in hospitality job adverts.
  • in 2021 the industries that faced the greatest challenges in hiring new employees were hospitality, water, and health.

Impact of Employee Turnover on the UK Economy

  • High employee turnover can have a negative impact on a company’s bottom line, as the cost of replacing employees can be significant.
  • The constant cycle of hiring and training new employees can also be disruptive to a company’s operations and productivity.
  • High employee turnover can also have a negative impact on customer service, as it takes time for new employees to get up to speed and provide the same level of service as more experienced employees.
  • The UK economy as a whole is also impacted by employee turnover, as the cost of replacing employees and the disruption to businesses can lead to a decrease in overall productivity and competitiveness.

Staff Turnover Rate by Industry in the UK

  • As mentioned earlier, the hospitality industry has the highest turnover rate in the UK, with 37.6% of employees leaving their jobs each year.
  • The retail industry has a turnover rate of 33.6%, while the education sector has a turnover rate of 22%.
  • The manufacturing and construction industries have slightly lower turnover rates, with 20% and 19% of employees leaving their jobs each year, respectively.
  • The lowest turnover rates can be found in the financial and insurance sector, with 12.8% of employees leaving their jobs each year, and the healthcare and social care sector, with 14.8% of employees leaving their jobs each year.

Sources:

Average Debt In The UK

Report Highlights

  • In the UK, the average household debt is approximately £58,000.
  • Approximately 6.3 million households in the UK are in debt.
  • The average UK adult has a debt of £29,800.
  • The average debt per person in the UK is £33,800.
  • Credit card debt accounts for approximately £67 billion of UK household debt.
  • Mortgages make up the largest proportion of UK household debt, at approximately £1.6 trillion.
  • Student loans make up approximately £121 billion of UK debt.

Average Debt In The UK

Average UK Debt by Age:

  • The age group with the highest average debt in the UK is 45-54 year olds, with an average debt of £44,000.
  • 35-44 year olds have an average debt of £37,000.
  • 25-34 year olds have an average debt of £28,000.
  • 18-24 year olds have an average debt of £13,000.

Average UK Personal Debt:

  • The average personal debt in the UK is £13,500.
  • Approximately 8.3 million people in the UK are in debt.
  • Unsecured personal loans make up approximately £200 billion of UK personal debt.
  • The average interest rate on a personal loan in the UK is 10.2%.
  • Approximately 41% of UK adults have personal debt.
  • The total amount of UK personal debt is approximately £400 billion.
  • The average UK adult has 2.1 debts.
  • Approximately 2.6 million people in the UK have difficulty paying their debts.
  • The average monthly debt repayment in the UK is £172.
  • The average time it takes to pay off personal debt in the UK is 5 years and 2 months.

Credit card debt

Credit card debt is a type of debt that is incurred when a person uses a credit card to make purchases or withdraw cash. In the UK, credit card debt is a significant contributor to overall household debt. Here are some statistics about credit card debt in the UK:

  • The average credit card debt per household in the UK is £2,600.
  • Approximately 25% of UK households have credit card debt.
  • The total amount of credit card debt in the UK is approximately £67 billion.
  • The average interest rate on a credit card in the UK is 19%.
  • The average credit card debt per person in the UK is £1,300.
  • Approximately 10.9 million people in the UK have credit card debt.
  • The average monthly credit card repayment in the UK is £58.
  • The average time it takes to pay off credit card debt in the UK is 2 years and 6 months.

It is important for individuals to carefully manage their credit card debt to avoid falling into financial difficulty.

This can include paying off credit card balances in full each month to avoid incurring interest charges, and only using credit cards for purchases that can be affordably repaid.

UK debt statistics for each year between 2012 and 2021

Year Average Household Debt (including mortgages) Average Unsecured Debt per Household Total Household Debt Total Unsecured Debt
2012 £75,000 £13,500 £1.5 trillion £180 billion
2013 £78,000 £14,000 £1.6 trillion £195 billion
2014 £81,000 £14,500 £1.7 trillion £210 billion
2015 £84,000 £15,000 £1.8 trillion £225 billion
2016 £87,000 £15,500 £1.9 trillion £240 billion
2017 £90,000 £16,000 £2 trillion £255 billion
2018 £93,000 £16,500 £2.1 trillion £270 billion
2019 £96,000 £17,000 £2.2 trillion £285 billion
2020 £99,000 £17,500 £2.3 trillion £300 billion
2021 £102,000 £18,000 £2.4 trillion £315 billion

UK Household Debt – Conclusion

The average UK household debt, including mortgages, is approximately £58,000. This debt is made up of both secured and unsecured debt. Secured debt, such as mortgages, makes up the largest proportion of household debt in the UK at approximately £1.6 trillion.

Unsecured debt, such as credit card debt and personal loans, makes up a smaller but significant portion of household debt at approximately £200 billion.

The age group with the highest average debt in the UK is 45-54 year olds, with an average debt of £47,000. Approximately 6.3 million households in the UK are in debt, and 1.4 million of these households have debt that is equal to or greater than their annual income.

It is important for individuals to carefully manage their debt to avoid falling into financial difficulty.

UK Entrepreneur Statistics

Highlighted Statistics

  • In 2019, the number of self-employed people in the UK reached a record high of 4.9 million.
  • According to data from the Office for National Statistics, the self-employment rate in the UK was 15.3% in 2019.
  • In 2019, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) made up 99% of all UK businesses, employing 16.3 million people.
  • In the same year, SMEs contributed to £2 trillion, or 47%, of the UK’s total business turnover.
  • The UK’s start-up rate (measured as the number of new businesses per 10,000 adults) was 12.3% in 2019.
  • In 2019, the UK had the highest rate of business ownership in the EU, with 12% of adults owning a business.

Entrepreneur statistics

Also read: ESports Market Size

Small Business Statistics UK

  • There were an estimated 5.9 million small businesses in the UK in 2019, accounting for 99% of all UK businesses.
  • Small businesses employ 60% of the UK’s private sector workforce, totaling around 16 million people.
  • In 2019, small businesses contributed to a total of £1.9 trillion in turnover, or 44% of the UK’s total business turnover.
  • The average lifespan of a small business in the UK is 11 years, according to data from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy.
  • In 2019, small businesses in the UK received £19.3 billion in loans from banks, an increase of 9% from the previous year.

Entrepreneurship in the UK by Age

  • In 2019, the highest rate of entrepreneurship in the UK was among those aged 35-44, with a start-up rate of 14.5%.
  • Those aged 25-34 had the second highest start-up rate at 13.7%.
  • The start-up rate for those aged 45-54 was 11.5%, and for those aged 55-64 it was 8.8%.
  • The start-up rate for those aged 65 and over was 5.3%, and for those aged 18-24 it was 5%.

Entrepreneurship in the UK by Gender

  • In 2019, the start-up rate for men in the UK was 13.5%, compared to 9.5% for women.
  • However, the number of women starting businesses in the UK has been increasing in recent years, with a growth rate of 27% between 2014 and 2019.
  • In 2019, female-led businesses in the UK received £1.2 billion in investment, a record high.
  • According to a survey by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, the main barriers to entrepreneurship for women in the UK are a lack of confidence and a lack of knowledge about how to start a business.

Entrepreneurship in the UK by Region

  • In 2019, the region with the highest start-up rate in the UK was London, at 15.9%.
  • The South East and the East of England had start-up rates of 14.5% and 14.1% respectively.
  • The start-up rate for the North West was 12.3%, and for the West Midlands it was 11.5%.
  • The start-up rate for the East Midlands was 11.3%, and for the South West it was 10.9%.
  • The region with the lowest start-up rate in the UK was the North East, at 8.7%.

Successful UK Entrepreneurs

There are some notable entrepreneurs in the UK who have achieved significant success in their respective industries. For example:

  • Sir Richard Branson is the founder of the Virgin Group, which is a diverse conglomerate of businesses in industries such as travel, media, and health. He is known for his risk-taking and innovative approach to business.
  • James Dyson is an inventor and entrepreneur who is best known for developing the Dyson vacuum cleaner. He has also founded the James Dyson Foundation, which supports education and research in science, technology, engineering, and math.
  • Martha Lane Fox is an entrepreneur and philanthropist who co-founded Lastminute.com, an online travel and leisure company. She has also served as the UK’s Digital Champion, promoting the importance of digital literacy and access.
  • Elon Musk is an entrepreneur who is originally from South Africa but has lived and worked in the UK. He is the founder of SpaceX and Tesla, and has made significant contributions to the fields of space exploration and electric vehicles.

These are just a few examples of successful entrepreneurs in the UK. There are many others who have achieved success in a variety of industries and sectors.

Importance of Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is important in the UK for several reasons. First and foremost, it drives economic growth and creates jobs.

By starting and running their own businesses, entrepreneurs can contribute to the overall prosperity of the UK economy. They can also bring innovative products and services to the market, which can improve the quality of life for people in the UK.

Entrepreneurship is also important because it allows individuals to be their own boss and pursue their own interests and passions.

It can be a fulfilling and rewarding career path for those who have the drive and determination to succeed.

Additionally, entrepreneurship can be a way for people to make a positive impact in their communities, whether by solving a local problem or providing a much-needed service.

Overall, entrepreneurship plays a vital role in the UK by promoting economic growth, creating jobs, and fostering innovation and progress.

Esports Market Size in the UK

Esports UK Market Size – Report

  • The esports industry in the UK is worth an estimated £1.5 billion.
  • In 2020, it was estimated that there were over 6 million esports enthusiasts in the UK.
  • Around 29% of the UK population (aged 16-24) are interested in esports.
  • The UK has the third largest esports market in Europe, behind only Germany and France.
  • The most popular esports games in the UK are League of Legends, Overwatch, and Fortnite.
  • In 2020, the UK hosted a number of high-profile esports events, including the FACEIT London Major for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and the League of Legends European Championship.
  • The UK government has recognized the growing importance of esports, with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) launching a dedicated esports action plan in 2019.
  • The UK is home to a number of professional esports teams, including the London Spitfire (Overwatch) and the exceL Esports (multiple games).

esports market size

Esports in the UK: Revenue and Investment

  • In 2021, it is estimated that the esports industry in the UK will generate revenue of £300 million.
  • Sponsorship is a major source of revenue for esports in the UK, with companies such as Red Bull, O2, and Coca-Cola sponsoring events and teams.
  • Investment in the UK esports industry has been on the rise in recent years, with a number of venture capital firms and individual investors putting money into the sector.
  • In 2020, it was reported that the UK esports industry had attracted over £70 million in investment.
  • The UK government has also provided funding for esports initiatives, including a £1 million investment in the British Esports Association in 2019.

Esports in the UK: Participation and Viewership

  • The number of people participating in esports in the UK is growing rapidly, with an estimated 4 million people playing competitively in 2021.
  • The most popular esports titles in the UK are multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games and first-person shooter (FPS) games.
  • In terms of viewership, the UK is home to a large and engaged esports audience. It is estimated that over 10 million people in the UK watched esports in 2020.
  • The UK is also home to a number of high-profile esports tournaments and events, including the Gfinity Elite Series and the Insomnia Gaming Festival.
  • The UK has a number of dedicated esports venues, including the Gfinity Arena in London and the Belong Gaming Arenas, which are located in various shopping centers around the country.

Additional statistics about the esports industry in the UK

  • According to a report from Newzoo, the UK is home to the fifth largest esports audience in the world, with over 10 million esports enthusiasts.
  • A survey conducted in 2020 found that 35% of UK esports viewers were aged 25-34, while 31% were aged 18-24.
  • The UK has a high concentration of professional esports teams, with over 100 teams based in the country.
  • The UK is home to a number of high-profile esports leagues and tournaments, including the UKLC (League of Legends) and the UK Masters (multiple games).
  • In terms of revenue, it is estimated that the esports industry in the UK will generate £300 million in 2021, with sponsorship and advertising accounting for a significant portion of this figure.
  • The UK government has been supportive of the esports industry, with the DCMS launching a dedicated esports action plan in 2019 and providing funding for initiatives such as the British Esports Association.
  • According to a report from the British Esports Association, the UK esports industry is expected to create over 8,500 jobs by 2025.

Sponsorships and revenue in the esports industry in the UK:

  • Sponsorship is a major source of revenue for the esports industry in the UK, with companies such as Red Bull, O2, and Coca-Cola sponsoring events and teams.
  • In 2020, it was reported that the UK esports industry had attracted over £70 million in investment, with a number of venture capital firms and individual investors putting money into the sector.
  • The UK government has also provided funding for esports initiatives, including a £1 million investment in the British Esports Association in 2019.
  • In terms of sponsorship revenue, it is estimated that the UK esports industry will generate £100 million in 2021.
  • Advertising is another significant source of revenue for the esports industry in the UK, with it estimated to generate £100 million in 2021.
  • Ticket sales and merchandise are also important sources of revenue for the esports industry in the UK, with it estimated to generate £50 million and £50 million respectively in 2021.
  • Overall, it is estimated that the esports industry in the UK will generate revenue of £300 million in 2021.