Compass Group had by far the highest number of global employees among companies based in the United Kingdom as of 2024, at approximately 500,000 employees. Tesco had the second-highest number of employees at 345,000, followed by HSBC Holdings which had 213,978 employees. As of the same year, HSBC Holdings had an annual revenue of 144.9 billion U.S. dollars, the third-highest among UK-based companies. The oil and gas giant Shell had the highest annual revenue at 289.7 billion dollars, ahead of BP at 202.8 billion dollars. How many businesses are there in the UK? In 2024, there were approximately 5.5 million business enterprises in the UK, down from a peak of 5.98 million in 2020. Although there were just 1,930 large firms that employed 1,000 people or more, these firms employed more than a quarter of the UK's private sector workforce, and made a combined turnover of approximately 1.69 trillion British pounds. As of this year, the construction industry had the highest number of enterprises by sector, at over 870,000. The sector with the most workers was that of wholesale and retail, which collectively employed just under 4.9 million people in 2024, and also had the highest turnover compared to other sectors, at over 1.8 trillion pounds. Current UK economic climate In some ways, the UK economy is in a reasonably good position in 2024. There was moderate economic growth in the first half of the year, inflation has returned to more usual levels, and unemployment has remained low. According to the business confidence index, however, the current sentiment among businesses in September 2024 was lower than it has been since early 2021. Furthermore, the number of company insolvencies in England and Wales has steadily been increasing, with 25,000 taking place in 2023, and 22,000 in 2022, compared with just 14,000 in 2021. When SME leaders were asked in 2023, what the main obstacles to running their business were, 36 percent said increasing costs. The precarious state of the UK's government finances, and potential tax rises in the next budget, are also likely feeding into this pessimistic mood.

In 2023, agriculture contributed around 0.58 percent to the United Kingdom’s GDP, 17.5 percent came from the manufacturing industry, and 72.53 percent from the services sector. The UK is not a farmer’s marketThe vast majority of the UK’s GDP is generated by the services sector, and tourism in particular keeps the economy going. In 2017, almost 214 billion British Pounds were contributed to the GDP through travel and tourism – about 277 billion U.S. dollars – and the forecasts see an upwards trend. For comparison, only an estimated 10.3 billion GBP were generated by the agriculture sector in the same year. But is it a tourist’s destination still? Though forecasts are not in yet, it is unclear whether travel and tourism can keep the UK’s economy afloat in the future, especially after Brexit and all its consequences. Higher travel costs, having to wait for visas, and overall more complicated travel arrangements are just some of the concerns tourists have when considering vacationing in the UK after Brexit. Consequences of the referendum are already observable in the domestic travel industry: In 2017, about 37 percent of British travelers said Brexit caused them to cut their holidays short by a few days, and about 14 percent said they did not leave the UK for their holidays because of it.

Shell had the highest annual revenue of all companies based in the United Kingdom in 2024, at approximately 289.7 billion U.S. dollars. BP had the second-highest annual revenue at 202.8 billion dollars, followed by HSBC Holdings, which had a revenue of 144.9 billion U.S. dollars. In terms of global employee numbers, however, Compass Group had the highest number among UK-based businesses, at approximately half a million in 2024, followed by Tesco at 345,000 and HSBC at almost 214,000. Big Oil, a banking giant, and Britain's top supermarket chain The two companies listed as having the most revenue in the UK this year also two of the biggest oil and gas companies in the world, alongside Chevron, Eni, ExxonMobil, and TotalEnergies. After a huge surge in energy prices in 2022, these companies saw their profits recede slightly in 2023, but clearly remain in strong financial positions. HSBC Holdings, meanwhile, was the largest bank in Europe in terms of market capitalization, and was estimated to have the third-highest number of UK-based customers in 2023. The company with the fourth-highest revenue in this year, Tesco has by some distance the largest grocery-market share in Great Britain, a position it has maintained despite growing competition from discounters like Lidl and Aldi. UK economy health check In the first two quarters of 2024, the UK economy grew by 0.7 percent, and 0.6 percent, emerging from a brief recession at the end of 2023. Consumer Price inflation, which reached a peak of 11.1 percent in October 2022, fell below two percent in September 2024, for the first time since April 2021, potentially leading to further interest rate cuts. Despite these generally positive signs, business confidence in the UK in September 2024 was lower than at any point since early 2021. Company insolvencies in England and Wales have also reached levels not seen since the global financial crisis in the late 2000s. This generally mixed picture will be influenced by the next government budget set for the end of October 2024, which may see certain taxes increase due to the UK's tricky fiscal situation.

This report presents key information and issues for all the leading companies in the global food industry for business intelligence requirements. It also provides information on business operations, history, major products and services, prospects, key competitors, key employees, locations and subsidiaries for the companies featured within the report. In addition, the report also provides strengths, weaknesses, opportunities (growth potential) and threats (competition) for all the leading companies in the industry. All strategic and operational business information is objectively reported. Read More

This report presents key information and issues for all the leading companies in the global retailers industry for business intelligence requirements. It also provides information on business operations, history, major products and services, prospects, key competitors, key employees, locations and subsidiaries for the companies featured within the report. In addition, the report also provides strengths, weaknesses, opportunities (growth potential) and threats (competition) for all the leading companies in the industry. All strategic and operational business information is objectively reported. Read More

Success.ai’s UK B2B Data API empowers sales, marketing, and research teams with instant access to over 10 million verified UK professionals and businesses. Offering a rich array of firmographic details, contact information, and financial data, this API enables you to discover and engage the most relevant prospects, suppliers, or partners in the UK market.

With continuously updated, AI-validated data, you can confidently refine targeting, enrich CRM systems, and make strategic decisions rooted in reliable insights. Supported by our Best Price Guarantee, Success.ai’s UK B2B Data API provides the intelligence and cost-effectiveness needed to thrive in a competitive and fast-moving UK business environment.

Why Choose Success.ai’s UK B2B Data API?

1. Comprehensive UK Market Coverage

   • Access profiles of over 10M UK professionals and organizations spanning multiple industries, regions, and sizes.
   • Seamlessly scale campaigns, ABM strategies, and supplier searches to discover new revenue streams and opportunities.

2. AI-Validated Accuracy

   • Rely on 99% data accuracy through AI-driven validation processes, reducing wasted efforts on outdated or irrelevant leads.
   • Base strategic decisions on current, reliable firmographic and financial insights.

3. Continuous Data Updates

   • Receive ongoing data refreshes to stay aligned with evolving market conditions, M&A activities, and leadership changes.
   • Adapt swiftly to seasonal trends, market shifts, or product launches, ensuring long-term relevance and effectiveness.

4. Ethical and Compliant

   • Fully adheres to GDPR and other UK/EU data privacy standards, ensuring responsible and lawful data usage.
   • Protect your brand reputation and mitigate compliance risks in a heavily regulated market.

Data Highlights:

• Over 10M UK Professionals: Explore extensive datasets of British businesses and decision-makers for precise targeting.
• Firmographic Insights: Access company size, industry classification, revenue range, and geographic footprint data.
• Contact and Financial Data: Obtain verified work emails, phone numbers, and financial indicators to guide informed decision-making.
• Best Price Guarantee: Secure exceptional ROI with top-tier UK B2B data at unmatched value.

Key Features of the UK B2B Data API:

1. On-Demand Data Enrichment

   • Enhance CRM systems, marketing automation platforms, or analytics tools with verified UK business profiles.
   • Remove guesswork and manual data imports, saving time and resources.

2. Advanced Filtering and Query Options

   • Filter companies by industry, revenue tier, employee count, or specific UK regions.
   • Hone in on target segments that align with your ideal customer profile, improving campaign efficiency.

3. Real-Time Validation and Reliability

   • Leverage AI-driven validation for top-tier data integrity and accuracy.
   • Enhance confidence in your campaigns, reduce bounce rates, and boost conversion outcomes.

4. Scalable and Seamless Integration

   • Easily incorporate the API into your existing workflows, eliminating data silos and streamlining operations.
   • Adjust queries and parameters as business objectives shift, ensuring continuous alignment with strategic goals.

Strategic Use Cases:

1. Account-Based Marketing (ABM) and Personalization

   • Identify and prioritize UK-based accounts that match your ICP, delivering targeted, relevant messaging.
   • Improve account engagement and accelerate deal velocity through data-driven personalization.

2. Market Entry and Product Launches

   • Validate new product-market fit by understanding UK market demands and competitor landscapes.
   • Execute timely product introductions supported by reliable, location-specific insights.

3. Supplier and Partnership Selection

   • Evaluate UK vendors, distributors, or potential partners using firmographic and financial data.
   • Strengthen supply chains, reduce operational risks, and improve strategic alliances.

4. Recruitment and Workforce Planning

   • Identify clusters of professionals with desired skills, experience, or qualifications in the UK.
   • Fill critical roles, improve staffing solutions, and align talent acquisition with growth plans.

Why Choose Success.ai?

1. Best Price Guarantee

   • Access high-quality UK B2B data at industry-leading prices, ensuring exceptional ROI for data-driven initiatives.

2. Seamless Integration

   • Incorporate the API into existing workflows, enhancing productivity and reducing manual data handling overhead.

3. Data Accuracy with AI Validation

   • Trust in 99% accuracy to guide strategic decisions, refine targeting, and enhance conversion rates.

4. Customizable and Scalable Solutions

   • Tailor datasets to focus on specific industries, regions, or company attributes as market conditions and strategic priorities evolve...

The beer and malt production landscape in Europe is fuelled by the continent's storied cultural affinity for the brew and the evolving tastes of its consumers. Currently, Europe has the highest average alcohol consumption globally, with eight of the top 10 drinking nations within its borders, including the Czech Republic, Austria and France, according to data from the CIA. However, there is a drop occurring, with the average European now drinking 9.5 litres of pure alcohol annually — a significant fall of 21% since the turn of the millennium, according to the World Health Organisation. This decline echoes a growing societal awareness of the risks of alcohol excess and a discernible trend towards more responsible consumption practices. This is projected to cause a shrinking of industry revenue at a compound annual rate of 3.7% over the five years through 2024, including a 3.3% drop in 2024 alone, reaching €70.4 billion. Despite falling alcohol consumption, beer has exceeded traditional spirits and wine as the beverage of choice in many European countries. France, a nation renowned for its wine, has seen beer become the more favoured alcoholic drink of choice, according to a 2023 survey by French wine consultancy firm Sowine. These shifts have bolstered the presence of multinational breweries that capitalised on emerging markets and triggered a flourishing microbrewery segment, illustrating a robust appetite for locally crafted beers. The thirst for artisanal brews is strong in many parts of Europe, with countries like Italy, Germany and France experiencing a surge in microbrewery establishments. This is despite a deceleration in certain regions, like the UK and Spain. Health concerns regarding alcohol consumption are predicted to continue driving a downward trend; more governments are set to introduce regulations to curb excessive drinking, like Scotland's minimum pricing strategy, which has successfully curbed alcohol-related harms. There is a burgeoning opportunity for consolidation within the craft beer segment. Multinationals like InBev and Heineken are poised to leverage this inflexion point as the market matures and the growth of independent microbreweries steadies in some regions. They've already begun strategically acquiring artisan brands, a trend which is likely to hasten. Overall, industry revenue is projected to rise at a compound annual rate of 3% over the five years through 2029, reaching €81.7 billion .

This statistic looks at the top 10 FMCG companies which operate and work in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2014. Each company is broken down by sales, profit and market value. Unilever PLC is the leading FMCG company in market value with a total of 124.52 billion American dollars worth.

The Hospitality Market in the UK is Dynamic and Competitive, With A Mix of Domestic and International Brands in the Hotel and Restaurant Sectors. Despite Brexit Uncertainties, The Tourism Sector Saw Increased Investments in 2021, Particularly in London, Due To Rising Travel and Demand for New Accommodation. This Growth is Attracting Investors To Service Apartments, Shared Spaces, and Over 88 New Hotel Projects. Major Players in the Leisure and Entertainment Market Include Whitbread Group, Intercontinental Hotels Group, Travelodge, Accor SA, and Marriott International, Inc.

Global Market Share by Key Players

Rio Tinto had the highest net income in the United Kingdom's mining sector as of the 2023 fiscal year, amounting nearly eight billion British pounds. EVRAZ followed, with a net income of 1.77 billion British pounds.

UK oil and gas production has diminished over the past decade because old oil fields have matured, and developing new commercially viable sources has become increasingly challenging. To combat this, extractors have pooled their resources and formed partnerships to enhance efficiency, while some have benefitted from previous investments in fields coming onstream. Oil and gas extracting companies also have reaped the rewards of an upsurge in global prices through 2022-23, leading to sharp revenue growth. However, this quickly turned around in 2023-24, with most major companies’ revenue nosediving along with oil prices. Revenue is expected to expand at a compound annual rate of 3.4% over the five years through 2024-25 to just over £33 billion. This includes a forecast hike of 5.3% in 2024-25; however, profit is slated to inch downward over the year as global oil and gas prices remain somewhat flat in the second half of 2024-25. The industry's performance is greatly affected by world oil and gas prices, with supply cuts put into place by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and global tensions resulting in price peaks and troughs. In October 2022, OPEC instituted a supply cut of two million barrels of crude oil per day, driving Brent Crude Oil prices up to US$110 (£87.80) per barrel, which has been extended until March 2025, with a ramping up period through September 2025. The sanctions on Russian oil and gas imports because of the Russia-Ukraine conflict add further impetus to prices. The EU has banned imports of Russian-made oil and gas, providing opportunities for UK exporters. Crude oil prices remain high, but significant oil production from non-OPEC countries threatening a glut in the oil market and a significant dip in global demand (especially from China) have made oil prices tumble sharply since July 2024. Despite mounting tensions in the Middle East having the potential to cut oil supply from the region, the ongoing political tensions have yet to significantly impact global prices, with prices hiking up around 10% in the month to October 2024, but remaining relatively low. Oil and gas prices are likely to continue inching downwards in the coming years as America is forecast to continue ramping up the global oil and gas supply. This, along with an expected reduction in global demand for oil and gas in the long term, will limit growth. The UK government will implement policies to create a more favourable environment for extractors and further investment in the North Sea to improve UK energy security. However, the depletion of natural resources, the expensive cost of extraction, low gas and oil prices and the global energy transition will threaten the industry's long-term viability. The government announced a delay to the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, along with the relaxation of some net-zero policies in September 2023, which should keep fossil fuel explorers afloat for longer. Revenue is forecast to rise at a compound annual rate of 3.4% over the five years through 2029-30 to just over £39 billion.

The pharmaceutical and healthcare supply chain is ever-changing. Wholesalers must follow and react to a dynamic environment with various regulations, licenses, taxation and shipping considerations. The loss of patent protection for several high-profile drugs has hampered performance because it has lowered revenue from such medications. Tightening regulation has encouraged greater consumption of generic medicines and intensified downward pricing pressures, denting profitability. Regulatory and funding challenges threaten wholesalers, favouring the retail of low-price generic drugs instead of high-end branded varieties. Over the five years through 2024-25, UK pharmaceutical wholesaling revenue is projected to climb at a compound annual rate of 0.8% to £64.2 billion. In the run-up to the pandemic, revenue shot up thanks to medicinal shortages and stockpiling behaviour, only made worse by the COVID-19 outbreak over 2020-21. Pharmaceutical wholesalers also benefit from an expanding UK ageing population, indirectly boosting sales of prescription-only and general-list drugs. Over 2021-22, revenue climbed despite sinking wholesale prices and uncertain downstream deals following Brexit-related stockpiling, with many downstream pharmacies struggling to maintain profitability. Over 2022-23, income continued climbing as wholesalers offloaded purchase cost inflation onto downstream markets. However, revenue plunged over 2023-24 as the NHS expenditure dipped following years of pandemic spending. Industry revenue is expected to climb by 1% over 2024-25, supported by a resurgence in new orders from the dispensing chemist market. Over the five years through 2029-30, pharmaceutical wholesaling revenue is expected to surge at a compound annual rate of 5% to reach £82.1 billion. An ageing population, evolving attitudes towards healthcare, growing focus on personal well-being and continued product innovation will boost sales volumes and support growth prospects. With socio-economic and obesity-related illnesses like hypertension set to accelerate in the coming years, sales of pharmaceutical drugs like Wegovy will only climb. Despite the positive outlook, the industry will face numerous regulatory challenges, and some smaller wholesalers could struggle to attract customers amid intense pricing pressure.

The United Kingdom Dairy Market is segmented by Category (Butter, Cheese, Cream, Dairy Desserts, Milk, Sour Milk Drinks, Yogurt) and by Distribution Channel (Off-Trade, On-Trade). Market Value in USD and Volume are both presented. Key Data Points observed include Per capita consumption; Population; and Dairy production.

The United Kingdom Heat Pumps Market is Segmented by Product Type (Air-Source Heat Pumps, Ground/Water Source Heat Pumps), Installation Type (Retrofits, New Buildings), and End-User Vertical (Commercial, Residential, Industrial). The Market Sizes and Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD) for all the Above Segments.

The report covers UK Telecom Industry Overview and the market is segmented by Services, which have been further classified into Voice Services (wired, wireless), data and messaging services, and OTT and Pay TV. The market size and forecasts are provided in terms of value (USD million) for all the above segments.

Over the five years through 2024-25, UK banks' revenue is expected to climb at a compound annual rate of 1.7% to £128.6 billion, including anticipated hike of 2% in 2024-25. After the financial crisis, low interest rates limited banks' interest in loans, hitting income. At the same time, a stricter regulatory environment, including increased capital requirements introduced under the Basel III banking reforms and ring-fencing regulations, constricted lending activity. To protect their profitability, banks have shut the doors of many branches and made substantial job cuts. Following the COVID-19 outbreak, the Bank of England adopted aggressive tightening of monetary policy, hiking interest rates to rein in spiralling inflation. The higher base rate environment lifted borrowing costs, driving interest income for banks, which reported skyrocketing profits in 2023-24. Although profit grew markedly, pressure to pass on higher rates to savers and fierce competition weighed on net interest income at the tail end of the year, the difference between interest paid and interest received. UK banks are set to continue performing well in 2024-25 as the higher interest rate environment maintains healthy interest income, aiding revenue growth. However, net interest income is set to dip marginally due to higher deposit costs and narrow margins on mortgage loans. With further rate cuts priced into markets, savings rates will drop in 2024-25, stemming the drop in net interest income. Over the five years through 2029-30, industry revenue is forecast to swell at a compound annual rate of 3.3% to reach £151.1 billion. Regulatory restrictions, tougher stress tests and stringent lending criteria will also hamper revenue growth. Competition is set to remain fierce — both internally from lenders that deliver their services exclusively via digital channels and externally from alternative finance providers, like peer-to-peer lending platforms. The possibility of legislation like the Edinburgh reforms will drive investment and lending activity in the coming years, if introduced. However, concerns surrounding the repercussions of less stringent capital requirements and the already fragile nature of the UK financial system pose doubt as to whether any significant changes will be made.

Snapshot img

UK Hand Tools Market Size 2024-2028

The UK hand tools market size is forecast to increase by USD 328.6 million at a CAGR of 5.78% between 2023 and 2028.

The market in the UK is witnessing significant growth due to several key factors. The increasing popularity of DIY activities among consumers is driving demand for multi-purpose tools. Additionally, the automobile industry's demand for precision tools such as torque wrenches is fueling market growth. The manufacturing sector's expansion, particularly in metalworking facilities, is also contributing to the market's growth. Snap-on industrial and other leading players are investing heavily in research and development to enhance dimensional accuracy and improve the ergonomics of their toolboxes. Fluctuating raw material prices pose a challenge, but technological upgrades and the use of modern machinery are helping manufacturers maintain production units' efficiency.
In the market, e-commerce platforms have significantly influenced sales, making them easily accessible to professionals and technicians. Multi-function tools have gained popularity due to their ability to perform multiple tasks, reducing the need for numerous individual tools. The production involves the use of various substrates, such as iron, steel, aluminum, plastic, and carbon fibers. Overall, the market In the UK is expected to continue its growth trajectory In the coming years.

What will be the size of the UK Hand Tools Market during the forecast period?

Request Free Sample

The hand tools market in the UK is a significant sector within the industrial and construction industries. This market caters to various end-users, including professional tradespeople, DIY enthusiasts, and industrial applications. The market encompasses a wide range of tools, including automotive, construction, woodworking, metalworking, and DIY tools. The demand for long-lasting hand tools is a primary driving factor for the market's growth. Manufacturers focus on utilizing high-quality materials and advanced manufacturing processes to produce durable hand tools. Continuous innovation in hand tool design and technology leads to improved efficiency, ergonomics, and functionality. This innovation keeps the market dynamic and attracts new customers. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are crucial for ensuring the longevity of hand tools. The availability of reliable repair services and easy access to replacement parts are essential factors for the market's growth. Customization to cater to specific user requirements is gaining popularity. This trend is particularly prevalent in professional applications where customized tools can enhance productivity and efficiency.
Effective storage solutions for hand tools are essential to maintain their quality and accessibility. The market offers a wide range of storage options, from wall-mounted systems to portable toolboxes. Accessories such as bits, blades, and attachments expand the functionality of hand tools and increase their overall value. Warranty policies and after-sales services are crucial factors In the purchasing decision. A comprehensive warranty can provide peace of mind and increase customer confidence. Proper identification is essential for efficient inventory management and tool tracking. Various identification systems, such as barcode labels and RFID tags, are available to help manage large tool inventories. Affordable pricing is a significant factor In the hand tool market. Competition among manufacturers and distributors keeps prices competitive, making them accessible to a broad customer base. Improved tool efficiency is a key focus area for manufacturers. Innovations such as ergonomic designs, power assist features, and improved materials help increase tool efficiency. The choice of materials used in hand tool manufacturing plays a crucial role In their performance and durability.
High-quality materials, such as steel, aluminum, and titanium, are commonly used in hand tool production. Sustainability is a growing concern In the hand tool market. Recycling programs and the use of eco-friendly materials are becoming increasingly important to reduce the environmental impact of hand tool manufacturing and disposal. Hence, the hand tool market In the UK is a dynamic and diverse sector, driven by factors such as tool durability, innovation, maintenance, and customer requirements. The market offers a wide range of tools, accessories, and services to cater to various end-users and applications. Effective competition, innovative technologies, and a focus on customer needs are key factors that contribute to the market's growth and success.

How is this market segmented and which is the largest segment?

The market report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the follo

In the three months to December 2024, average weekly earnings in the United Kingdom grew by 5.9 percent, while pay including bonuses also grew by six percent, when compared with the same period in 2023. In the same month, the inflation rate for the Consumer Price Index was 2.5 percent, indicating that wages were rising faster than prices that month. Average salaries in the UK In 2024, the average salary for full-time workers in the UK was 37,430 British pounds a year, up from 34,963 in the previous year. In London, the average annual salary was far higher than the rest of the country, at 47,455 pounds per year, compared with just 32,960 in North East England. There also still exists a noticeable gender pay gap in the UK, which was seven percent for full-time workers in 2024, down from 7.5 percent in 2023. Lastly, the monthly earnings of the top one percent in the UK was 15,887 pounds as of November 2024, far higher than even that of the average for the top five percent, who earned 7,641 pounds per month, while pay for the lowest 10 percent of earners was just 805 pounds per month. Waves of industrial action in the UK One of the main consequences of high inflation and low wage growth throughout 2022 and 2023 was an increase in industrial action in the UK. In December 2022, for example, there were approximately 830,000 working days lost due to labor disputes. Throughout this month, workers across various industry sectors were involved in industrial disputes, such as nurses, train drivers, and driving instructors. Many of the workers who took part in strikes were part of the UK's public sector, which saw far weaker wage growth than that of the private sector throughout 2022. Widespread industrial action continued into 2023, with approximately 303,000 workers involved in industrial disputes in March 2023. There was far less industrial action by 2024, however, due to settlements in many of the disputes, although some are ongoing as of 2025.