
UK small businesses keep going against the odds
This weekās newsletter comes to you from Daniel Woolf, Enterprise Nationās head of policy.
The governmentās latest figures give us the clearest picture yet of how small businesses are faring - and itās a mixed one.
Small firms still make up over 99% of all UK businesses and employ 13 million people. But the total number has fallen by nearly 300,000 since 2020, showing just how tough the past few years have been.
The good news? More people are starting out again. The challenge? Fewer are growing into employers. Thatās the difference between recovery and real renewal.
At Enterprise Nation, weāre focused on helping to bridge that gap ā from start-up to scale. One initiative launching this week aims to make it easier for large organisations to buy from small businesses.
Because behind every data point is a founder with ambition. Our COO shares 10 uplifting small business stories. If youāve got a story to tell, we'd love to hear it.

Behind the scenes of the Small Business, Big Break shoots š„
From pitch day to the production set, our three female founder winners have taken their ideas all the way to TV.
Their ads, powered by Constant Contact, are now complete - and we canāt wait to share them with you. Stay tuned!

Start of 2025 saw Britain gain more than 191,000 new companies than last year - Richard Tyler reports for The Times.
Total number of UK businesses rises, driven by increase in sole traders and micro companies - Dan Martin reports for SME web.
Brits fear Rachel Reevesā next Budget will make them worse off - Mauricio Alencar reports for City AM.
UK retailers are set to escape being whacked with a higher business rates tax bandĀ - Hugh Radojev reports for Retail Week.

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Building a finance stack that grows with your business
šļø Wednesday 15 October| Online
Looking to grow internationally? Learn about real challenges small firms face when expanding into new markets. Plan ahead to avoid common roadblocks.
Unlocking the power of video to scale your business
šļø Thursday 16 October| Online
Discover how easy it can be to produce stand-out content with zero editing experience and hear why video should be a core part of your brand strategy.
Why sleep is a performance tool, not a luxury
šļø Monday 20 October | Online
This practical session will explore why sleep is critical to health, focus and resilience. LeaveĀ with realistic tools you can apply immediately to boost energy, productivity and wellbeing.
Enterprise Nation focus group: Retail founders
šļø Wednesday 5 November | Online
Are you the founder of a retail brand? If so, we would love to hear from you! Join a friendly and interactive online session, hosted by Ryan from the Enterprise Nation team.
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