London: The Ultimate Hub for Independent Businesses

Where Startups Shine in the UK

SumUp’s latest splash of data has painted a clear picture: some UK cities are straight‑up irresistible for independent businesses. Think of it like the “National Hotspots” guide for entrepreneurs.

Top Ten Cities (Ranked by Business Buzz)

1. London – Score: 8.55
   • 213 beauty salons
     201 barber shops
     166 coffee shops
   • 136 takeaways covering every global cuisine
2. Bristol – Score: 6.45
   • Headliners: barber shops (4.83/5), beauty salons (4.71/5), bakeries (4.67/5)
3. Birmingham – Score: 11.55
4. Edinburgh
5. Manchester
6. Leeds
7. Glasgow
8. Reading
9. Hull
10. Southampton

Who Fell Off the List

• Nottingham – 13th place
• Brighton – 15th place (yes, The Lanes misses the cut)
• Sheffield, York, Cardiff – no seats in the top ten

SumUp’s Product Marketing Lead, Corin Camenisch, summed it up best:

“We’re rooted in supporting independent businesses beyond fintech. Knowing the best cities to thrive gives entrepreneurs a handy compass. Numbers are vital, but glowing reviews tell the true story of success.”

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