Contact Us

A new survey suggests more start-up businesses in the North of England are setting up in online retail than anywhere else in the UK.

The index by eBay’s Public Policy Lab, which calculates “digital densities” based on the volume and sales of small online retailers, believes a new “Northern Powerhouse” of e-commerce is developing.

In particular, Manchester now has a greater concentration of e-commerce start-ups than any other major UK region, followed by Lancashire and West Yorkshire.

Although London is home to a highly lucrative tech hub of digital start-ups, this index placed Central London – which includes Tech City and Shoreditch – in 26th place behind the likes of Cheshire (sixth place) and Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire (eighth place).

The study also found that the UK is now Europe’s largest retail exporter with more than half (51 per cent) of British-based e-commerce start-ups exporting to four or more different continents – more than any other European country.

In addition, the number of small UK-based online retailers exporting to 15 or more countries had also increased by a third since 2010.

Meanwhile almost all (91 per cent) UK-based online small firms operating on eBay export goods overseas.

Sarah Calcott, director of operations, eBay UK, said: “Our research shows that technology is opening up tremendous opportunities for small businesses across the UK with digital clusters spread across the country, particularly in the North West and Yorkshire.

“At eBay we’re working hard to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit of small online businesses, providing them with the tools and the flexibility to export millions of British goods abroad, despite lacking the infrastructure of a traditional exporter.”



Image: purplemattfish

Date published 27 May 2015 | Last updated 27 May 2015

Choose the right accounting firm for you

Running your own business can be challenging so why not let TaxAssist Accountants manage your tax, accounting, bookkeeping and payroll needs? If you are not receiving the service you deserve from your accountant, then perhaps it’s time to make the switch?

Local business focus icon

Local business focus

We specialise in supporting independent businesses and work with 80,684 clients. Each TaxAssist Accountant runs their own business, and are passionate about supporting you.

Come and meet us icon

Come and meet us

We enjoy talking to business owners and self-employed professionals who are looking to get the most out of their accountant. You can visit us at any of our 409 locations, meet with us online through video call software, or talk to us by telephone.

Switching is simple icon

Switching is simple

Changing accountants is easier than you might think. There are no tax implications and you can switch at any time in the year and our team will guide you through the process for a smooth transition.

See how TaxAssist Accountants can help you with a free, no obligation consultation

0800 0523 555

Or contact us