HC Deb 12 April 2002 vol 383 cc633-4W
Mr. Martyn Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on SME industrial trends. [37652]

Nigel Griffiths

The last year for which figures are available (2000) shows an increase in the number of SME manufacturers.

Small and Medium Sized Enterprises continue to play an important role in the UK economy accounting for over 99 per cent of businesses, 44 per cent of non-government employment and 37 per cent of turnover. They employ 12 million people and contribute £1 trillion to the economy pa.

Number of SMEs (0–249 employees) by sector
UK, number
Number of businesses
Sector 1997 1998 1999 2000
All 3,701,070 3,651,230 3,670,210 3,715,865
Agriculture, Fishing 220,850 192,825 185,285 190,375
Mining & Energy 5,455 5,705 4,085 3,615
Manufacturing 319,610 329,550 329,535 329,685
Construction 828,810 728,445 683,250 678,215
Wholesale, retail & repairs 525,465 552,765 532,155 535,045
Hotels & Restaurants 148,610 153,065 154,125 157,005
Transport 211,395 210,695 225,315 227,635
Financial intermediation 51,160 65,580 59,115 58,690
Real Estate, business activities 707,785 735,995 799,555 825,160
Education 108,610 100,875 107,785 110,965
Health & social work 217,295 202,690 202,910 206,815
Other services 356,015 373,025 387,090 392,660

Source:

Small Business Service, SME Statistics in the UK