UK Women-Powered Firms Could Unlock £20.7 Billion a Year and Create 390,000 Jobs
Updated
Updated · The Independent · May 29
UK Women-Powered Firms Could Unlock £20.7 Billion a Year and Create 390,000 Jobs
1 articles · Updated · The Independent · May 29
New Women Are Good Business data says matching the scaling rate of male-led peers could add £54.5 billion in revenue from UK women-powered companies and deliver £20.7 billion a year to the Treasury.
390,000 jobs could come from closing the scaling gap in the 51-200 employee range, a mid-growth band where female-led firms are seen as falling behind despite strong early representation.
22% of companies with 0-4 employees are women-powered, but that share drops to 13.3% at 101-200 employees and 11% at 301-400 employees, pointing to a scale-up bottleneck rather than a startup shortage.
Less than 2% of venture capital reaches women even though the report says women-powered businesses generate twice the return on investment of male-led counterparts.
The findings land as Britain searches for growth after years of weak performance, and echo 2025 parliamentary proposals including a Female Enterprise Investment Scheme, a new Office for Women’s Business Ownership and a 10% public procurement target.
Could a 10% government contract target finally rewire the UK's biased business ecosystem for women?
The UK is ignoring a £54 billion economic prize. Why are proven solutions to unlock it still sitting on the shelf?
Women-Powered Businesses in the UK: Record £5.23 Billion in 2024 Exits, Persistent Barriers, and the Path to Inclusive Growth
Overview
Women-powered businesses in the UK are experiencing strong growth and increasing recognition as key drivers of the economy. The proportion of women-led businesses is rising, with Scotland now ranking third in the UK, and standout companies like Strathberry and Oh Polly making it into the Top 200. This progress is supported by record investment, impressive growth statistics, and a surge in exit activity, showing substantial economic potential. These trends highlight not only the growing number of women entrepreneurs but also their expanding influence and success across diverse sectors.