Graphic illustrating barriers to small business growth in the UK - Global Banking & Finance Review
This image depicts the challenges faced by small businesses in the UK, highlighting barriers to growth and entrepreneurship, as discussed in our article on small business dynamics.
Business

REVEALED: BARRIERS TO THE GROWTH OF SMALL BUSINESSES IN THE UK

Published by Gbaf News

Posted on May 27, 2014

2 min read
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Entrepreneurial Motivations in the UK

New research has revealed that more than 1 in 3 (36%) people would like to start their own business because they want to earn money for themselves and not for their boss and a third (35%) would like to choose their own working hours.

The research into why people would like to start their own business has given a picture of the driving forces behind entrepreneurs and their aims and desires. With the latest figures from the Federation of Small Businesses showing that 3.7 million (63%) UK businesses are sole proprietorships and 99.9% of businesses are in the SME category, how these companies fare is crucial to helping the UK economy to continue growing out of its slump.

Revealed: Barriers To The Growth Of Small Businesses In The UK

Revealed: Barriers To The Growth Of Small Businesses In The UK

Personal Fulfilment and Business Ownership

It was also revealed that taking pride in owning your own business is a leading reason for going it alone, with 1 in 4 (25%) of people polled saying this is why they would start their own company.

Economic Uncertainty Hampers Growth

However, despite the fact that there have been signs of a growing economy in the UK recently, a quarter (25%) of people surveyed would be unsure about starting their own business right now as they aren’t sure about the strength of the market.

Small businesses account for 99.9% of all private sector businesses and are the backbone of the UK economy.

Key Challenges Facing UK Small Businesses

Despite a more positive outlook within the UK economy recently, there are still many challenges remaining for SMEs. From financing to marketing, small and medium businesses need to consider all areas if they are to make the most of the growth opportunities that are now finally beginning to present themselves.

Key Takeaways

  • 36% of Britons either run or plan to start their own business within three years, driven by independence and flexible hours (moneyweek.com).
  • Access to finance remains a major barrier, with 37% encountering funding challenges and intermediaries pointing to lack of awareness and high costs (moneyweek.com).
  • Taxation, business rates, and regulatory burdens are leading obstacles to SME success in 2024 (gov.uk).
  • One in four aspiring entrepreneurs hesitate due to uncertainty about current market strength (natwest.com).

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What motivates people to start a business in the UK?
Key motivations include earning money for themselves rather than a boss, choosing their own working hours, and taking pride in owning a business ([moneyweek.com](https://moneyweek.com/economy/small-business/how-to-get-your-own-start-up-business-off-the-ground?utm_source=openai)).
What are the main barriers to starting or growing an SME in the UK?
Major barriers include difficulties accessing finance, lack of awareness of funding options, high taxation and regulatory burdens, and uncertainty in market strength ([british-business-bank.co.uk](https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/about/research-and-publications/small-business-finance-markets-report-2025/sme-intermediary-research-uk-findings?utm_source=openai)).
How prevalent is funding difficulty among aspiring entrepreneurs?
About 37% of those hoping to launch a business reported encountering problems in raising money ([moneyweek.com](https://moneyweek.com/economy/small-business/how-to-get-your-own-start-up-business-off-the-ground?utm_source=openai)).

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