The UK Stumbles Behind the Startup Pack, One More Year in the Swing
So, the Opinium Global Entrepreneurship Index 2025 just dropped a brutal truth: the UK is hanging at 23rd place for launching fresh ventures. Not only that, it’s missed the top 20 march on the leaderboard for the sixth straight year. Remember 2013 when Britains hit 16th place? That was the peak, and since then it’s been a slow slide.
What the Numbers Say
- UK rank: 23rd – way behind many European and global competitors.
- Public sentiment: 48% think the economic climate is wrong for entrepreneurs.
- Growth outlook: 59% doubt a strong boom this year.
- Action needed: 42% want the chancellor to fix business conditions in the upcoming Spring Statement.
Voices from the Front Lines
Chris Curtis (Labour Growth Group co‑chair) bluntly calls it a “stark warning.” He says the UK has been stuck in the dark zone for six years, “a testament to the tough economic inheritance we face.” His fix‑it plan: revamp digital infrastructure, boost skill training, and turn the UK into a magnet for savvy business brains. He’s also keen on cutting high costs, fixing weak infrastructure, and smoothing uneven demand so that everyone can earn and grow.
Danielle Dunfield‑Prayero (Conservative For Business chair) echoes that sentiment. “Got a proud tradition of invention,” she recalls, “but the government must empower that heritage and make the UK the go‑to spot for starting and scaling up businesses.” A winning future, she argues, hinges on turning this capital’s fortunes around.
To Wrap It Up
There’s a certain drama to see a nation’s entrepreneurial spirit waver. The UK’s slice in the index may feel like a faint echo of a once‑glorious era. But the article reminds us: it’s not about where we stand now; it’s about what steps the government takes to restart the engine of jobs and growth. Much like a pot roast that needs a stew of patience and the right ingredients, the UK’s business ecosystem is ready for a revamp.
