The data shows that there were an estimated 4.7 million private sector enterprises in the UK at the start of 2007, an increase of 212,000 (4.8 per cent) on the start of 2006. These levels are the highest since the time series began in 1994. These enterprises employed an estimated 22.7 million people, and had an estimated combined annual turnover of £2,800 billion.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) together accounted for 99.9 per cent of all enterprises, 59.2 per cent of private sector employment and 51.5 per cent of private sector turnover. Employment in SMEs is estimated at 13.5 million, 0.3 million (2.0 per cent) higher than in 2006. Turnover in SMEs is estimated at £1,440 billion, £83 billion (6.1 per cent) higher than 2006. Almost a quarter (24 per cent) of all UK private sector enterprises operate in the Business Services sector (SIC2003 Section K).

One fifth (21 per cent) of all UK private sector employment is from enterprises operating in the Wholesale, Retail and Repairs sector (SIC2003 Section G). All regions and countries experienced growth in the number of enterprises between 2005 and 2007. 32 per cent of all UK enterprises are in London and the South East. Both these regions have over 700,000 enterprises each.

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