London’s Online Sellers: Confident, Hungry for Tech, but Still Facing Roadblocks
According to fresh research, a whopping 80 % of London‑based small‑business owners who sell online say they’re feeling pretty confident about the next year. Even more than a third—36 %—declare they’re “very confident.” Yet, they’re not blind to the challenges that loom.
What’s Easing Their Spirits and What’s Holding Them Back?
- Hard UK economy (41 %)—the backdrop that keeps worries up.
- Time crunch due to work or childcare (27 %)—busy parents and multitaskers aren’t getting the hours they need.
- Funding & credit gaps (27 %)—cashflow worries creep in even if sales are hot.
Tech is Their New Best Friend
The study, commissioned by eBay, surveyed 1,000 UK businesses that trade on online platforms. What emerged? The lure of technology, especially AI, is hard to resist.
- 75 % are excited or curious about AI—49 % are pumped, 26 % are inquisitive.
- In terms of application:
- 37 % use AI to slay admin tasks and spit out content.
- 33 % experiment with fresh products or marketing ideas.
- 32 % employ AI to drop listings faster.
Where These Businesses Take Root
Most of them creep out of humble beginnings—73 % launched from a bedroom, kitchen table, or garage in the capital. London also tops the charts when it comes to shared workspaces.
- 26 % started in a co‑working or collaborative space—far higher than the national average.
It’s a neat mix of home‑grown hustle and community‑powered innovation that keeps London’s entrepreneurial scene buzzing.
Hear from the Heroes
Brad Aspess MBE, founder of Rarewaves, paints the picture:
“Building a business today isn’t about big budgets or traditional routes. I’m all about backing myself, picking the right platform, and pulling the work through.” He added that listing on eBay opened a world of learning opportunities, enabling him to ship to 170 countries and hire over 50 people. Though the journey was rocky, Brad insists that resilience, determination, and hard work pave the way for online firms to thrive.
Eve Williams, General Manager of eBay UK shares a similar sentiment:
“London’s sellers aren’t just using new tools; they’re embracing tech and staying confident amid uncertainty.” She emphasizes that eBay supports them in turning passion into tangible growth and shaping the future of entrepreneurship.
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