A decade after its debut during Global Entrepreneurship Week, the UK’s flagship ScaleUp Annual Review returns for its 10th edition, revealing a record 44,595 scaleups — up from 26,985 in 2013 — and a further 20,980 scaling businesses powering growth in every nation and region of the country
A Decade of Growth and Impact
Over the past ten years, the report - published by the ScaleUp Institute - has become a cornerstone of the UK’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, tracking the progress, challenges, and achievements of scaling businesses. The 2025 edition reveals that scaleups now represent 0.8% of the UK’s business population but contribute a staggering 50% of SME output—amounting to £2.19 trillion. When including the pipeline, their contribution rises to 71% of SME output, or £3.1 trillion.
The report also underscores the UK’s global standing: the country now ranks third in the world for startup-to-scaleup velocity, a significant leap from 13th in 2013. This achievement is a testament to the collaborative efforts of public and private sector actors, as well as the resilience and innovation of UK entrepreneurs.
Key Highlights from the 2025 Report
- Record Numbers: The UK now has 44,595 scaleups, with 20,980 more in the pipeline, spread across every sector and region.
- Sectoral Strength: Industrial Strategy sectors—including Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy, and Digital Technologies—account for 42% of the scaling population, generating £1.7 trillion and employing 2.6 million people.
- Female-Led Scaleups: Female-founded scaleups have broken through the 1,000 barrier, with 1,315 identified in 2025. The number of female-founded “super-scalers” (businesses with over £50 million turnover) has increased by 41% year-on-year.
- Global Ambition: 9 in 10 scaleup CEOs expect to grow in 2025, with 7 in 10 planning to expand internationally. The EU remains the top market, but emerging markets in China, the Middle East, and Africa are gaining traction.
Chancellor’s Message and Launch Event
At the launch event, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves praised the scaleup community for its resilience and contribution to the UK economy. The sector’s growth has become a source of national pride and a key driver of the United Kingdom’s future prosperity. The event also featured insights from leading entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers, highlighting the importance of continued support for scaling businesses.
Looking Ahead
The report calls for sustained momentum, with a focus on removing barriers to growth, improving access to talent and finance, and fostering a more coordinated ecosystem. As the UK continues to build a “ScaleUp Nation,” the ScaleUp Institute remains committed to catalyzing collaboration and innovation across the country.