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Franchise Opportunity · ONS 2026 data
UK Small Business AI Opportunity Data Centre
Explore how many businesses operate in every UK local area, which sectors dominate, and where the opportunity for AI and automation sits.
By 
National business and AI adoption statistics
2.79m
UK businesses
ONS UK Business Counts 2026
89%
are micro businesses
Fewer than 10 staff
ONS UK Business Counts 2026
72%
of micro businesses do not yet use AI
28% use at least one AI technology
ONS BICS, June 2026
10%
of AI adopters describe their use as extensive
ONS, June 2026
Interactive Area Explorer
Local authority business counts and sector opportunities
2026 enterprises · April 2023 boundaries
Birmingham
Ranked #1 of 30 areas in West Midlands by number of businesses
- 38,605
- Total businesses
- 34,365
- Micro businesses
- 89.0%
- Micro share
- 24,740
- Estimated micro businesses not yet using AI
0 to 9 staff
National 72% rate, rounded to nearest 10
The AI figure is an estimate applying the national ONS micro-business rate. Local adoption may differ.
Sector mix
- Construction & trades: 3,795 businesses
- Food & hospitality: 2,535 businesses
- Property & estate agency: 2,190 businesses
- Health practices: 1,900 businesses
- Legal & accounting: 1,590 businesses
- Motor trade: 1,395 businesses
- Personal services: 1,325 businesses
Business size
89.0%micro businesses
How this area compares
| Sector | Birmingham | West Midlands | UK | vs UK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction & trades | 9.8% | 13.4% | 14.1% | -4.3 pp percentage points below UK average |
| Food & hospitality | 6.6% | 5.7% | 5.7% | +0.9 pp percentage points above UK average |
| Motor trade | 3.6% | 4.0% | 3.0% | +0.6 pp percentage points above UK average |
| Property & estate agency | 5.7% | 4.7% | 4.7% | +1.0 pp percentage points above UK average |
| Health practices | 4.9% | 3.0% | 2.6% | +2.3 pp percentage points above UK average |
| Personal services | 3.4% | 3.3% | 3.2% | +0.2 pp percentage points above UK average |
| Legal & accounting | 4.1% | 2.4% | 2.7% | +1.4 pp percentage points above UK average |
Opportunity profile
Birmingham's largest sectors in this selection are construction & trades (3,795 businesses) and food & hospitality (2,535 businesses). For construction & trades, practical applications include missed-call text back, instant quote follow-up, automated review requests. For food & hospitality, consider table booking automation, review responses, social content. These counts describe the local market, not demand for a specific service.
The UK picture
2,786,975 registered enterprises across 361 local authority areas and 12 regions and nations.
- London: 552,505 businesses
- South East: 412,075 businesses
- East of England: 276,720 businesses
- North West: 272,085 businesses
- South West: 237,935 businesses
- West Midlands: 219,540 businesses
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 194,060 businesses
- East Midlands: 183,730 businesses
- Scotland: 176,000 businesses
- Wales: 106,170 businesses
- Northern Ireland: 81,665 businesses
- North East: 74,490 businesses
All UK local authority areas
361 areas
| London | 56,365 | 84.0% | 3,085 | 2,210 | 5,715 | Property & estate agency | |
| West Midlands | 38,605 | 89.0% | 3,795 | 2,535 | 2,190 | Construction & trades | |
| London | 38,445 | 88.7% | 1,985 | 1,455 | 2,180 | Legal & accounting | |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | 32,555 | 89.4% | 3,960 | 1,930 | 1,480 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 31,180 | 90.9% | 4,505 | 1,090 | 1,500 | Construction & trades | |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | 29,830 | 87.1% | 3,850 | 1,915 | 1,710 | Construction & trades | |
| London | 26,290 | 91.2% | 1,680 | 1,200 | 2,120 | Property & estate agency | |
| London | 25,775 | 93.6% | 3,715 | 1,030 | 2,770 | Construction & trades | |
| South West | 25,575 | 88.5% | 4,015 | 1,785 | 945 | Construction & trades | |
| South West | 24,665 | 89.8% | 3,685 | 1,290 | 1,000 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 24,550 | 87.3% | 1,895 | 1,920 | 1,485 | Food & hospitality | |
| London | 24,420 | 78.1% | 785 | 395 | 1,240 | Legal & accounting | |
| London | 24,315 | 88.8% | 1,545 | 1,135 | 1,045 | Construction & trades | |
| South West | 21,570 | 89.7% | 2,985 | 1,065 | 945 | Construction & trades | |
| Scotland | 20,585 | 85.3% | 2,085 | 2,055 | 1,230 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 19,750 | 89.4% | 2,185 | 910 | 970 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 19,450 | 89.5% | 3,085 | 850 | 780 | Construction & trades | |
| Scotland | 18,635 | 85.8% | 1,690 | 1,635 | 1,055 | Construction & trades | |
| London | 18,430 | 92.5% | 2,710 | 945 | 1,030 | Construction & trades | |
| South West | 18,295 | 86.8% | 2,165 | 1,275 | 915 | Construction & trades | |
| London | 18,200 | 87.9% | 1,065 | 1,220 | 1,045 | Food & hospitality | |
| South West | 18,000 | 89.7% | 2,830 | 1,035 | 755 | Construction & trades | |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | 17,310 | 87.2% | 2,145 | 1,380 | 785 | Construction & trades | |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | 17,195 | 89.1% | 2,105 | 1,285 | 775 | Construction & trades | |
| London | 16,345 | 84.4% | 970 | 1,050 | 735 | Food & hospitality | |
| West Midlands | 15,920 | 90.0% | 2,045 | 855 | 670 | Construction & trades | |
| London | 15,890 | 92.7% | 2,490 | 945 | 965 | Construction & trades | |
| South West | 15,800 | 89.3% | 2,830 | 885 | 955 | Construction & trades | |
| London | 15,770 | 93.3% | 2,535 | 660 | 1,215 | Construction & trades | |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | 15,715 | 88.5% | 2,045 | 1,095 | 725 | Construction & trades | |
| London | 15,540 | 94.1% | 2,725 | 815 | 1,060 | Construction & trades | |
| London | 15,405 | 93.0% | 2,860 | 820 | 925 | Construction & trades | |
| London | 15,275 | 92.7% | 1,155 | 890 | 810 | Construction & trades | |
| London | 15,210 | 90.8% | 2,845 | 750 | 740 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 14,975 | 87.3% | 1,830 | 1,425 | 845 | Construction & trades | |
| London | 14,955 | 92.6% | 2,435 | 865 | 680 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 14,880 | 90.8% | 2,220 | 625 | 505 | Construction & trades | |
| North East | 14,825 | 88.6% | 2,465 | 1,120 | 505 | Construction & trades | |
| London | 14,715 | 92.7% | 2,640 | 705 | 665 | Construction & trades | |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | 14,220 | 89.4% | 2,105 | 860 | 585 | Construction & trades | |
| London | 14,120 | 93.8% | 2,215 | 945 | 640 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 14,035 | 90.1% | 1,530 | 1,080 | 655 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 13,905 | 88.8% | 1,080 | 985 | 900 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 13,845 | 88.4% | 1,555 | 745 | 645 | Construction & trades | |
| London | 13,665 | 90.0% | 1,040 | 965 | 660 | Construction & trades | |
| London | 13,655 | 91.5% | 1,820 | 730 | 675 | Construction & trades | |
| London | 13,025 | 89.0% | 760 | 610 | 1,045 | Property & estate agency | |
| London | 12,990 | 93.8% | 1,525 | 795 | 840 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 12,930 | 89.3% | 1,540 | 575 | 580 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 12,710 | 91.0% | 2,680 | 545 | 435 | Construction & trades | |
| Scotland | 12,475 | 90.3% | 1,570 | 465 | 325 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 12,470 | 89.3% | 1,605 | 730 | 645 | Construction & trades | |
| London | 12,415 | 94.0% | 2,270 | 795 | 435 | Construction & trades | |
| London | 12,325 | 89.0% | 840 | 605 | 695 | Construction & trades | |
| London | 12,305 | 92.7% | 995 | 490 | 600 | Construction & trades | |
| Wales | 12,120 | 86.6% | 1,380 | 950 | 735 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 11,780 | 88.0% | 1,145 | 555 | 755 | Construction & trades | |
| North East | 11,600 | 88.6% | 1,550 | 895 | 435 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 11,500 | 88.8% | 1,560 | 715 | 380 | Construction & trades | |
| Northern Ireland | 11,485 | 83.2% | 940 | 900 | 580 | Construction & trades | |
| London | 11,275 | 93.0% | 1,655 | 475 | 550 | Construction & trades | |
| Scotland | 11,105 | 88.5% | 1,665 | 665 | 340 | Construction & trades | |
| London | 11,035 | 92.3% | 3,050 | 580 | 430 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 10,880 | 89.2% | 1,430 | 660 | 440 | Construction & trades | |
| West Midlands | 10,840 | 90.1% | 1,315 | 465 | 420 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 10,645 | 89.4% | 1,440 | 740 | 335 | Construction & trades | |
| West Midlands | 10,505 | 88.2% | 1,370 | 740 | 400 | Construction & trades | |
| South West | 10,470 | 88.8% | 2,120 | 485 | 410 | Construction & trades | |
| London | 10,410 | 93.2% | 1,480 | 605 | 340 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 10,395 | 88.4% | 1,325 | 525 | 910 | Construction & trades | |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | 10,165 | 90.1% | 1,665 | 680 | 370 | Construction & trades | |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | 10,150 | 88.6% | 1,690 | 790 | 410 | Construction & trades | |
| West Midlands | 10,110 | 89.1% | 1,260 | 630 | 435 | Construction & trades | |
| West Midlands | 10,100 | 87.3% | 1,750 | 570 | 395 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 9,940 | 86.1% | 1,010 | 760 | 620 | Construction & trades | |
| Northern Ireland | 9,940 | 91.5% | 1,740 | 310 | 235 | Construction & trades | |
| London | 9,875 | 93.9% | 1,060 | 740 | 295 | Construction & trades | |
| Northern Ireland | 9,645 | 91.0% | 1,835 | 420 | 210 | Construction & trades | |
| Northern Ireland | 9,585 | 90.5% | 1,420 | 400 | 270 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 9,405 | 88.3% | 1,390 | 580 | 365 | Construction & trades | |
| Scotland | 9,380 | 88.4% | 1,630 | 620 | 320 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 9,345 | 90.7% | 2,350 | 550 | 305 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 9,265 | 88.3% | 1,785 | 655 | 290 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 9,230 | 90.2% | 940 | 360 | 435 | Construction & trades | |
| North East | 9,090 | 85.0% | 930 | 915 | 590 | Construction & trades | |
| Northern Ireland | 8,930 | 93.8% | 1,220 | 255 | 215 | Construction & trades | |
| Scotland | 8,880 | 87.0% | 1,395 | 665 | 330 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 8,870 | 89.2% | 1,230 | 680 | 360 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 8,800 | 91.4% | 2,020 | 355 | 645 | Construction & trades | |
| Wales | 8,780 | 92.4% | 960 | 390 | 155 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 8,725 | 91.3% | 1,595 | 340 | 325 | Construction & trades | |
| London | 8,680 | 91.6% | 2,120 | 495 | 295 | Construction & trades | |
| South West | 8,680 | 89.1% | 1,380 | 455 | 400 | Construction & trades | |
| West Midlands | 8,625 | 88.8% | 1,345 | 515 | 355 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 8,615 | 91.9% | 1,010 | 300 | 480 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 8,585 | 90.9% | 1,105 | 255 | 330 | Construction & trades | |
| London | 8,540 | 93.7% | 2,100 | 395 | 280 | Construction & trades | |
| West Midlands | 8,490 | 89.3% | 1,305 | 340 | 635 | Construction & trades | |
| South West | 8,485 | 88.4% | 1,180 | 485 | 445 | Construction & trades | |
| London | 8,465 | 92.9% | 1,795 | 440 | 300 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 8,450 | 87.9% | 1,060 | 425 | 310 | Construction & trades | |
| London | 8,380 | 91.6% | 1,045 | 455 | 370 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 8,305 | 89.8% | 1,590 | 330 | 385 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 8,300 | 90.6% | 1,635 | 340 | 295 | Construction & trades | |
| West Midlands | 8,270 | 88.3% | 1,160 | 545 | 390 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 8,270 | 92.1% | 1,480 | 450 | 365 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 8,265 | 87.7% | 1,090 | 280 | 335 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 8,250 | 90.8% | 1,460 | 335 | 415 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 8,245 | 90.7% | 950 | 335 | 390 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 8,235 | 81.8% | 940 | 270 | 390 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 8,215 | 88.9% | 1,190 | 425 | 340 | Construction & trades | |
| West Midlands | 8,200 | 90.1% | 990 | 350 | 445 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 8,145 | 90.9% | 1,430 | 305 | 295 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 8,140 | 88.4% | 1,155 | 315 | 335 | Construction & trades | |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | 8,085 | 87.6% | 1,205 | 615 | 310 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 8,085 | 89.6% | 1,000 | 365 | 430 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 7,950 | 90.3% | 1,100 | 315 | 350 | Construction & trades | |
| Wales | 7,950 | 91.0% | 1,035 | 450 | 180 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 7,945 | 91.9% | 1,265 | 315 | 675 | Construction & trades | |
| Scotland | 7,910 | 87.7% | 1,630 | 560 | 245 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 7,880 | 90.7% | 1,110 | 455 | 585 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 7,870 | 89.6% | 1,275 | 580 | 350 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 7,855 | 88.7% | 1,240 | 380 | 425 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 7,830 | 89.6% | 1,230 | 315 | 330 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 7,805 | 88.6% | 2,050 | 285 | 265 | Construction & trades | |
| Scotland | 7,760 | 84.7% | 680 | 475 | 380 | Construction & trades | |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | 7,755 | 87.9% | 1,445 | 495 | 260 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 7,745 | 88.4% | 1,170 | 565 | 305 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 7,660 | 91.1% | 880 | 250 | 420 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 7,625 | 90.4% | 1,125 | 280 | 350 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 7,565 | 87.0% | 995 | 520 | 345 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 7,510 | 88.5% | 1,360 | 365 | 350 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 7,410 | 88.4% | 965 | 325 | 335 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 7,350 | 89.6% | 1,155 | 295 | 280 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 7,345 | 89.0% | 1,010 | 270 | 335 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 7,285 | 89.7% | 1,145 | 580 | 270 | Construction & trades | |
| West Midlands | 7,280 | 87.2% | 710 | 400 | 470 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 7,280 | 89.7% | 1,120 | 370 | 315 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 7,215 | 88.9% | 1,120 | 485 | 335 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 7,190 | 91.8% | 1,900 | 290 | 205 | Construction & trades | |
| South West | 7,170 | 90.0% | 1,175 | 440 | 260 | Construction & trades | |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | 7,165 | 86.3% | 945 | 570 | 415 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 7,050 | 90.9% | 1,190 | 525 | 350 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 7,020 | 89.2% | 1,115 | 255 | 275 | Construction & trades | |
| South West | 6,970 | 89.3% | 1,055 | 380 | 320 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 6,950 | 91.5% | 1,300 | 265 | 315 | Construction & trades | |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | 6,910 | 88.6% | 1,325 | 515 | 280 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 6,870 | 90.0% | 925 | 335 | 365 | Construction & trades | |
| Wales | 6,850 | 87.5% | 995 | 635 | 355 | Construction & trades | |
| West Midlands | 6,785 | 85.6% | 935 | 500 | 230 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 6,780 | 90.2% | 945 | 290 | 250 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 6,745 | 88.8% | 970 | 405 | 350 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 6,745 | 89.4% | 1,395 | 315 | 230 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 6,730 | 91.1% | 1,285 | 235 | 335 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 6,720 | 86.8% | 700 | 330 | 245 | Construction & trades | |
| West Midlands | 6,655 | 89.4% | 880 | 295 | 315 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 6,630 | 91.3% | 1,115 | 270 | 325 | Construction & trades | |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | 6,615 | 84.2% | 1,015 | 620 | 255 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 6,505 | 88.9% | 1,080 | 495 | 210 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 6,485 | 90.5% | 970 | 245 | 300 | Construction & trades | |
| Northern Ireland | 6,455 | 91.2% | 1,090 | 375 | 170 | Construction & trades | |
| Scotland | 6,400 | 88.7% | 765 | 395 | 115 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 6,315 | 88.8% | 840 | 310 | 330 | Construction & trades | |
| South West | 6,265 | 87.1% | 1,210 | 545 | 345 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 6,245 | 87.6% | 910 | 230 | 225 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 6,235 | 88.5% | 1,250 | 250 | 250 | Construction & trades | |
| Scotland | 6,235 | 87.8% | 895 | 370 | 245 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 6,165 | 90.3% | 765 | 270 | 250 | Construction & trades | |
| South West | 6,155 | 88.7% | 625 | 290 | 280 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 6,130 | 88.8% | 790 | 365 | 360 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 6,095 | 87.9% | 1,300 | 550 | 270 | Construction & trades | |
| North East | 6,085 | 86.4% | 925 | 620 | 200 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 5,995 | 89.7% | 865 | 300 | 275 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 5,970 | 90.4% | 920 | 250 | 230 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 5,925 | 89.2% | 900 | 270 | 255 | Construction & trades | |
| West Midlands | 5,905 | 87.0% | 775 | 320 | 220 | Construction & trades | |
| South West | 5,895 | 88.6% | 955 | 350 | 255 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 5,835 | 88.4% | 895 | 440 | 240 | Construction & trades | |
| South West | 5,810 | 89.4% | 840 | 270 | 215 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 5,800 | 88.0% | 830 | 215 | 265 | Construction & trades | |
| North East | 5,780 | 87.5% | 910 | 410 | 235 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 5,770 | 89.0% | 1,150 | 335 | 200 | Construction & trades | |
| Northern Ireland | 5,755 | 90.1% | 940 | 320 | 190 | Construction & trades | |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | 5,750 | 89.4% | 800 | 355 | 195 | Construction & trades | |
| Wales | 5,745 | 89.3% | 705 | 450 | 115 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 5,705 | 87.6% | 530 | 410 | 285 | Construction & trades | |
| North East | 5,700 | 85.4% | 890 | 420 | 300 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 5,670 | 90.3% | 1,000 | 190 | 255 | Construction & trades | |
| Wales | 5,620 | 89.1% | 1,065 | 525 | 165 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 5,615 | 88.4% | 760 | 475 | 160 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 5,600 | 89.7% | 1,075 | 320 | 215 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 5,590 | 91.5% | 925 | 200 | 355 | Construction & trades | |
| North East | 5,575 | 87.6% | 805 | 510 | 215 | Construction & trades | |
| Wales | 5,525 | 90.0% | 745 | 450 | 145 | Construction & trades | |
| West Midlands | 5,520 | 88.7% | 700 | 285 | 220 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 5,420 | 90.2% | 675 | 235 | 285 | Construction & trades | |
| South West | 5,375 | 87.8% | 665 | 335 | 295 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 5,350 | 88.8% | 1,030 | 205 | 190 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 5,345 | 89.1% | 1,085 | 290 | 200 | Construction & trades | |
| South West | 5,320 | 88.8% | 715 | 310 | 255 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 5,300 | 88.5% | 880 | 235 | 180 | Construction & trades | |
| Northern Ireland | 5,290 | 87.6% | 750 | 240 | 210 | Construction & trades | |
| Northern Ireland | 5,260 | 90.2% | 670 | 285 | 135 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 5,250 | 90.7% | 685 | 215 | 275 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 5,235 | 89.7% | 925 | 200 | 310 | Construction & trades | |
| Wales | 5,175 | 87.6% | 790 | 285 | 135 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 5,160 | 85.1% | 360 | 385 | 270 | Food & hospitality | |
| South East | 5,150 | 90.3% | 745 | 190 | 220 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 5,120 | 84.8% | 490 | 470 | 250 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 5,095 | 88.7% | 825 | 245 | 205 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 5,070 | 89.2% | 1,040 | 205 | 215 | Construction & trades | |
| South West | 5,070 | 89.8% | 685 | 310 | 185 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 5,025 | 91.8% | 980 | 195 | 235 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 5,020 | 90.1% | 835 | 195 | 165 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 5,015 | 89.3% | 1,100 | 275 | 195 | Construction & trades | |
| Northern Ireland | 5,015 | 89.4% | 590 | 315 | 230 | Construction & trades | |
| Scotland | 5,000 | 89.8% | 685 | 255 | 170 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 4,970 | 83.6% | 335 | 405 | 240 | Food & hospitality | |
| West Midlands | 4,965 | 89.8% | 675 | 260 | 210 | Construction & trades | |
| West Midlands | 4,895 | 91.4% | 540 | 215 | 215 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 4,890 | 89.9% | 735 | 265 | 230 | Construction & trades | |
| West Midlands | 4,890 | 88.7% | 765 | 270 | 275 | Construction & trades | |
| Scotland | 4,870 | 87.8% | 700 | 300 | 170 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 4,830 | 90.2% | 1,060 | 340 | 160 | Construction & trades | |
| West Midlands | 4,805 | 88.3% | 755 | 200 | 270 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 4,790 | 90.3% | 860 | 485 | 185 | Construction & trades | |
| Scotland | 4,765 | 86.1% | 780 | 370 | 180 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 4,755 | 86.6% | 795 | 305 | 150 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 4,755 | 87.7% | 625 | 295 | 195 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 4,720 | 88.1% | 680 | 430 | 210 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 4,720 | 89.5% | 580 | 210 | 150 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 4,710 | 92.5% | 945 | 210 | 145 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 4,660 | 89.7% | 880 | 145 | 135 | Construction & trades | |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | 4,640 | 87.2% | 755 | 345 | 145 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 4,620 | 89.3% | 685 | 205 | 180 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 4,615 | 89.4% | 525 | 320 | 190 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 4,600 | 90.0% | 715 | 145 | 200 | Construction & trades | |
| South West | 4,600 | 91.7% | 640 | 160 | 145 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 4,585 | 88.7% | 720 | 270 | 190 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 4,585 | 87.8% | 655 | 345 | 190 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 4,565 | 88.9% | 820 | 295 | 195 | Construction & trades | |
| Wales | 4,565 | 89.7% | 605 | 375 | 145 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 4,550 | 89.6% | 735 | 240 | 185 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 4,540 | 87.7% | 645 | 215 | 210 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 4,535 | 91.7% | 1,140 | 210 | 180 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 4,520 | 89.9% | 765 | 190 | 205 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 4,485 | 88.9% | 910 | 190 | 195 | Construction & trades | |
| South West | 4,485 | 88.1% | 700 | 165 | 205 | Construction & trades | |
| Wales | 4,480 | 90.3% | 590 | 310 | 245 | Construction & trades | |
| South West | 4,470 | 85.3% | 640 | 275 | 265 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 4,450 | 86.5% | 645 | 210 | 210 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 4,440 | 90.2% | 1,185 | 235 | 145 | Construction & trades | |
| Wales | 4,435 | 91.2% | 510 | 265 | 155 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 4,385 | 88.6% | 695 | 245 | 160 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 4,380 | 87.6% | 820 | 175 | 180 | Construction & trades | |
| West Midlands | 4,345 | 90.7% | 530 | 195 | 215 | Construction & trades | |
| Wales | 4,320 | 88.3% | 560 | 295 | 180 | Construction & trades | |
| Northern Ireland | 4,305 | 87.9% | 585 | 220 | 140 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 4,280 | 91.4% | 755 | 240 | 175 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 4,220 | 90.2% | 680 | 210 | 170 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 4,215 | 90.5% | 700 | 200 | 170 | Construction & trades | |
| Wales | 4,205 | 88.7% | 700 | 265 | 175 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 4,200 | 88.3% | 830 | 155 | 205 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 4,195 | 87.5% | 625 | 345 | 150 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 4,195 | 92.4% | 1,005 | 250 | 130 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 4,180 | 88.9% | 785 | 195 | 185 | Construction & trades | |
| West Midlands | 4,170 | 89.9% | 850 | 210 | 205 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 4,140 | 89.5% | 740 | 170 | 165 | Construction & trades | |
| Wales | 4,115 | 87.6% | 780 | 350 | 125 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 4,110 | 89.3% | 685 | 250 | 150 | Construction & trades | |
| South West | 4,095 | 88.8% | 770 | 375 | 170 | Construction & trades | |
| Wales | 4,070 | 92.0% | 495 | 235 | 105 | Construction & trades | |
| West Midlands | 4,065 | 91.3% | 585 | 230 | 100 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 4,035 | 86.2% | 705 | 225 | 155 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 4,015 | 90.4% | 665 | 155 | 95 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 3,960 | 89.9% | 645 | 290 | 165 | Construction & trades | |
| Scotland | 3,935 | 88.9% | 515 | 235 | 195 | Construction & trades | |
| Scotland | 3,930 | 89.6% | 470 | 265 | 110 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 3,915 | 90.2% | 580 | 210 | 165 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 3,865 | 89.4% | 490 | 295 | 140 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 3,860 | 89.8% | 580 | 330 | 155 | Construction & trades | |
| Wales | 3,825 | 87.5% | 575 | 315 | 150 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 3,820 | 91.5% | 920 | 150 | 140 | Construction & trades | |
| South West | 3,805 | 85.4% | 655 | 295 | 145 | Construction & trades | |
| South West | 3,800 | 90.3% | 605 | 200 | 135 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 3,780 | 88.1% | 550 | 425 | 150 | Construction & trades | |
| Scotland | 3,765 | 88.3% | 540 | 235 | 125 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 3,735 | 90.1% | 610 | 180 | 150 | Construction & trades | |
| Wales | 3,715 | 88.3% | 510 | 270 | 110 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 3,710 | 89.4% | 665 | 290 | 100 | Construction & trades | |
| South West | 3,695 | 91.1% | 515 | 145 | 100 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 3,690 | 87.1% | 700 | 255 | 180 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 3,690 | 91.9% | 615 | 175 | 150 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 3,685 | 90.6% | 475 | 195 | 185 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 3,670 | 90.2% | 725 | 200 | 100 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 3,660 | 90.7% | 765 | 195 | 200 | Construction & trades | |
| Scotland | 3,655 | 85.1% | 560 | 375 | 220 | Construction & trades | |
| West Midlands | 3,645 | 89.2% | 520 | 230 | 110 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 3,645 | 89.3% | 810 | 135 | 95 | Construction & trades | |
| Scotland | 3,630 | 88.7% | 540 | 270 | 100 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 3,610 | 84.5% | 500 | 205 | 135 | Construction & trades | |
| North East | 3,595 | 88.3% | 570 | 305 | 110 | Construction & trades | |
| West Midlands | 3,575 | 87.4% | 560 | 235 | 135 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 3,575 | 86.6% | 520 | 195 | 100 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 3,570 | 88.2% | 430 | 215 | 205 | Construction & trades | |
| West Midlands | 3,565 | 89.9% | 615 | 225 | 155 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 3,515 | 90.0% | 815 | 165 | 150 | Construction & trades | |
| Scotland | 3,500 | 87.0% | 470 | 235 | 155 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 3,475 | 88.9% | 665 | 185 | 165 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 3,475 | 90.4% | 665 | 165 | 235 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 3,460 | 87.1% | 730 | 200 | 85 | Construction & trades | |
| North East | 3,450 | 88.4% | 510 | 260 | 125 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 3,440 | 84.9% | 505 | 275 | 125 | Construction & trades | |
| West Midlands | 3,440 | 87.9% | 775 | 180 | 110 | Construction & trades | |
| West Midlands | 3,400 | 86.9% | 410 | 240 | 150 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 3,395 | 86.6% | 615 | 210 | 105 | Construction & trades | |
| North East | 3,375 | 88.3% | 540 | 345 | 90 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 3,335 | 90.3% | 595 | 210 | 140 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 3,325 | 91.4% | 970 | 155 | 115 | Construction & trades | |
| Scotland | 3,305 | 87.9% | 500 | 210 | 115 | Construction & trades | |
| South West | 3,200 | 91.7% | 370 | 155 | 100 | Construction & trades | |
| Scotland | 3,175 | 88.7% | 490 | 230 | 90 | Construction & trades | |
| North East | 3,165 | 88.8% | 530 | 290 | 80 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 3,135 | 88.8% | 420 | 200 | 130 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 3,120 | 87.0% | 620 | 235 | 90 | Construction & trades | |
| Scotland | 3,120 | 87.3% | 500 | 205 | 85 | Construction & trades | |
| Wales | 3,115 | 87.5% | 520 | 275 | 65 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 3,075 | 88.1% | 480 | 285 | 130 | Construction & trades | |
| Scotland | 3,015 | 88.7% | 445 | 280 | 100 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 2,980 | 87.6% | 595 | 205 | 120 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 2,930 | 88.9% | 505 | 275 | 100 | Construction & trades | |
| West Midlands | 2,880 | 85.6% | 535 | 130 | 110 | Construction & trades | |
| Scotland | 2,805 | 89.8% | 440 | 165 | 135 | Construction & trades | |
| West Midlands | 2,790 | 87.3% | 465 | 135 | 145 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 2,750 | 86.9% | 395 | 225 | 115 | Construction & trades | |
| East of England | 2,750 | 86.9% | 435 | 285 | 100 | Construction & trades | |
| Scotland | 2,740 | 90.9% | 335 | 155 | 190 | Construction & trades | |
| Wales | 2,735 | 89.8% | 400 | 215 | 80 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 2,705 | 85.8% | 450 | 230 | 130 | Construction & trades | |
| Scotland | 2,630 | 87.6% | 505 | 140 | 105 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 2,620 | 88.9% | 425 | 175 | 85 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 2,570 | 91.1% | 385 | 115 | 90 | Construction & trades | |
| North West | 2,440 | 86.5% | 375 | 195 | 75 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 2,425 | 89.3% | 510 | 120 | 85 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 2,395 | 88.3% | 300 | 140 | 85 | Construction & trades | |
| West Midlands | 2,300 | 87.2% | 420 | 130 | 85 | Construction & trades | |
| North East | 2,250 | 89.1% | 385 | 215 | 75 | Construction & trades | |
| Wales | 2,240 | 85.0% | 435 | 155 | 55 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 2,205 | 90.7% | 275 | 95 | 135 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 2,085 | 85.6% | 350 | 155 | 65 | Construction & trades | |
| East Midlands | 1,940 | 88.9% | 220 | 105 | 110 | Construction & trades | |
| South East | 1,860 | 90.1% | 390 | 160 | 65 | Construction & trades | |
| Scotland | 1,825 | 86.3% | 295 | 180 | 60 | Construction & trades | |
| Scotland | 1,600 | 89.7% | 195 | 60 | 25 | Construction & trades | |
| Scotland | 1,520 | 87.5% | 160 | 150 | 60 | Construction & trades | |
| Scotland | 1,475 | 89.5% | 145 | 50 | 25 | Construction & trades | |
| Wales | 1,330 | 89.1% | 245 | 125 | 30 | Construction & trades | |
| Wales | 1,255 | 86.9% | 260 | 125 | 40 | Construction & trades | |
| Scotland | 1,230 | 88.2% | 125 | 65 | 25 | Construction & trades | |
| Scotland | 1,145 | 89.1% | 145 | 95 | 60 | Construction & trades | |
| South West | 215 | 88.4% | 20 | 30 | 10 | Food & hospitality |
Where AI fits for small businesses
Construction & trades
Keep enquiries and jobs moving while teams are on site.
- missed-call text back
- instant quote follow-up
- automated review requests
- job booking
Food & hospitality
Connect bookings, customer feedback and local campaigns.
- table booking automation
- review responses
- social content
- offer campaigns
Motor trade
Stay in touch throughout the vehicle service cycle.
- service and MOT reminders
- enquiry response
- review requests
Property & estate agency
Follow up property enquiries and coordinate appointments.
- instant lead response
- valuation follow-up
- viewing booking
- landlord nurture
Health practices
Support routine appointment and enquiry administration.
- appointment booking and reminders
- enquiry handling
- review requests
Personal services
Manage repeat bookings and everyday customer communication.
- online booking and rebooking reminders
- no-show reduction
- social content
Legal & accounting
Organise client intake and routine follow-up tasks.
- client intake
- appointment booking
- document chase reminders
Professional Services Firms
Streamline enquiries, consultations and routine client communication.
- instant enquiry response
- consultation booking
- client onboarding
- follow-up reminders
Clinics & Aesthetic Practices
Support appointment administration and non-clinical enquiries with human oversight.
- appointment booking and reminders
- non-clinical enquiry handling
- rebooking follow-up
- review requests
AI supports routine tasks, with human oversight and appropriate data protection. Explore our AI automation and AI Digital Agency services.
What this means if you are exploring an AI Digital Agency franchise
Under the Ready Made Digital franchise model, a partner runs their own branded AI Digital Business, while the RMD delivery team carries out the client work. The data above helps a prospective partner see the size and shape of their local market - however you are free to sell locally, nationally or internationally.
Local authority boundaries are not franchise territory boundaries. Business counts do not measure willingness to buy or guarantee client demand.
Explore the Ready Made Digital franchise modelMethodology and sources
Business counts are ONS UK Business Counts 2026 enterprises, accessed through Nomis dataset NM_142_1. They cover local authority districts using April 2023 boundaries. ONS rounds counts to the nearest 5. Across all 361 areas, the UK total is 2,786,975 businesses, including 2,484,380 micro businesses with 0 to 9 staff.
Sector groupings use SIC 2007 divisions: Construction & trades = 41, 42 and 43; Motor trade = 45; Food & hospitality = 56; Property & estate agency = 68; Legal & accounting = 69; Health practices = 86; Personal services = 96. These are selected sectors and do not sum to the total. Sector figures cover all enterprise sizes, not just micro businesses.
The estimated number of micro businesses not yet using AI is the local micro count multiplied by 72%, rounded to the nearest 10. It applies the national ONS rate from June 2026, when 28% of businesses with 0 to 9 employees used at least one AI technology. Local adoption rates may differ. Only 10% of businesses that had adopted AI described their use as extensive.
Comparison shares use each sector's count divided by the total number of businesses. Regional and UK averages are weighted aggregate shares, not simple averages of local percentages. Ranks use total enterprise counts, with equal counts receiving the same rank.