McDonald’s Turns 50 in the UK and Bites into the Economy
Did you know that in London alone, McDonald’s is raking in a whopping £832.6 million each year? That’s the combined contribution of the fast‑food chain and its suppliers – a hefty dollar‑candy diet for the city’s coffers.
Inside the Numbers
- Direct impact (2023) – The 192 restaurants in London pulled in about £557.7 million.
- They’re also hiring 21,490 people directly.
- Beyond the kitchens, Coca Cola tops the supplier chart, smashing an extra £274.9 million into the economy and adding 3,455 more jobs.
That’s not just a slap‑on‑the‑back. The new “McDonald’s at 50” report, commissioned to celebrate the joint’s half‑century milestone, shows the wider touch‑point of the brand across the UK economy, local communities, staff, customers and suppliers.
From Fry Apps to Community Heroes
McDonald’s still keeps its fingers in the community dough, especially in towns where its restaurants are the very hub of local life.
Remember that local Makin’ It partnership? It teamed up with the BBC Children in Need to give every UK outlet a youth programme. The result? Safe, welcoming spots for teens, plus training that lets them earn real‑world experience without sacrificing their studies.
- Spiral Skills – Brixton
- Young Westminster – Westminster
- Reaching Higher – South London
Local Love in Action
Franchisees go the extra mile. Take Craig Newnes, who owns ten restaurants in North London and Essex. He’s quoted, “Creating and sustaining jobs across North London & Essex is huge to me. And seeing our financial contribution matters to the community? It’s a point of pride.”
Craig also says, “There’s no longer a tug‑of‑war between learning and earning. We invest in our staff; they’re not just doing a job—they’re getting qualifications for life.” He continues, “Our teams are popping up litter picks with the local Mayor, football days in Mill Hill, and parties for Ronald McDonald House Charities’ 35th anniversary – it’s the kind of local love that sticks.”
The Bigger Picture
The report encapsulates more than 50 years of growth. From one lone restaurant in 1974 to:
- 94,600 direct employees in 2013;
- 171,415 in 2023.
All that adds up to an annual worth of £7.25 billion to the UK economy – and a cumulative contribution of £94.45 billion over five decades. Of that, £51.56 billion went straight to UK suppliers.
So the next time you slide a burger on a paper plate, remember it’s also feeding the UK’s economic appetite.
