New data highlights the fastest-growing industries over the past two years
New research has identified the fastest-growing industries in the UK, with health and social care emerging as the top-performing sector, followed by real estate.
The analysis, conducted by manufacturing resource planning software firm MRPeasy, used business birth and closure data from the Office for National Statistics to calculate growth rates across industries between 2022 and 2024.
Health and social care topped the rankings, achieving an 8.06% growth rate over two years, representing 8,540 new business registrations. The sector now accounts for 4.26% of all UK businesses and 3.89% of total business start-ups during the period.
Real estate came in second, with a 5.06% growth rate and 5,620 new businesses established since 2022. Real estate businesses now represent 4.34% of all UK companies and 3.67% of business start-ups. This category includes activities such as buying, selling, renting, and managing real estate, as well as operating facilities like conference centres and private housing.
Education ranked third, recording a 3.27% growth rate, with 1,535 new businesses formed during the study period.
The construction industry took fourth place, growing by 1.93% with 7,250 new businesses registered. This industry, which accounts for 14.21% of all UK businesses and 14.69% of start-ups, includes companies involved in residential and commercial building projects, infrastructure development, and services such as plumbing, roofing, and heating installations.
Rounding out the top five, the arts, entertainment, recreation, and other services industry grew by 1.83%, adding 3,320 new businesses. This sector now represents 6.84% of UK businesses and 6.54% of start-ups.
“The health and social care industry has emerged as one of the strongest sectors for UK businesses, driven by demand for healthcare services and social support,” commented Karl Heinrich Lauri, chief marketing officer at MRPeasy. “Real estate and education also show significant growth, reflecting both the housing markets’ resilience and increasing demand for educational services.
“Meanwhile, industries like construction, and arts, entertainment, and recreation continue to offer opportunities for new business ventures, showcasing the diversity of thriving sectors in the UK market. Together, these industries highlight key areas where businesses are finding success in a dynamic economic landscape.”
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