Number of businesses rises by 18,000 says ONS
The ONS has released its figures for UK business activity, size and location for the year March 2012 to March 2013. The number of VAT and PAYE businesses is estimated to have risen by 18,000 or 0.9 per cent. This represents a slower growth as compared to the 1.8 per cent rise or 37,000 seen between 2011-2012.
Companies and corporations as a total of UK businesses have risen from 61.9 per cent in 2011-2012 to 64 per cent in 2012-2013.
Professional, scientific and technical have replaced wholesale and retail as the largest industry group with 16.9 per cent of all businesses. London continues to see the largest number of VAT and PAYE businesses with 17.2 per cent of the UK total a rise from last years 16.7 per cent. The total number of businesses in the UK has risen from dramatic declines seen in 2008.