UK sees e-commerce start-up boom during COVID-19 pandemic

The coronavirus crisis may have affected many well-established businesses, but it has also encouraged a new wave of fledgling entrepreneurs across the UK, creating an e-commerce ‘boom’.

In fact, e-commerce sales in the UK have outperformed the USA in terms of growth, according to industry data from Emarsys. At the time of the UK’s COVID-19 lockdown, e-commerce sales were up around 20% year-on-year, but by 12th April this had risen to over 80% as more households logged on to buy their goods and services remotely.

Although the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) anticipates the UK economy declining by 13% this year, the e-commerce sector’s resilience is a fascinating talking point, with an 83% year-on-year growth in online sales as of mid-April.

In recognition of the growing demand for online sales, the UK’s agile entrepreneurs have clearly sensed an opportunity.

According to new figures from the Business Data Group, the UK’s e-commerce start-up sector is booming at levels not seen before.

In the week before the UK’s COVID-19 lockdown was announced, more than 500 e-commerce start-ups were formed. Five weeks later, that figure had risen exponentially to almost 1,300 e-commerce start-ups per week – around 800 more than the same week in 2019.

Startups.co.uk has also noted a 60% year-on-year rise in the number of new online businesses formed daily.

Bryn Glover, Editor, Startups.co.uk, said: “While there are many things to feel negative about during this strange time, it’s really heartening to hear that behind closed doors many Brits have used the situation to start something positive.

“This seems to be opportunistic thinking at its best – entrepreneurs working out the services we so desperately need during lockdown and making it happen.”

There are many important factors to consider when launching a start-up business. These include choosing a suitable business entity, assessing your cashflow position and cementing a credible business plan that details your objectives in writing.

We can work with you to help launch your business as a sole trader, partnership or limited company. We can recommend the most suitable bookkeeping systems for your business and liaise with you on the best tax savings available from day one.

To arrange a free initial consultation with us, please don’t hesitate to call our friendly and experienced team today on 0114 294 5358 or drop us a line using our online enquiry form.

For our latest COVID-19 news and guidance for your business, visit our dedicated Coronavirus Hub.
We will be updating it regularly as we continue to monitor and digest all the latest information

Date published 8 Jun 2020 | Last updated 8 Jun 2020