1、1.New Startup Index 2026Business and Venture Creation in the UK in 2025 ContentsContents01.Foreword02.Executive summary03.Summary of active companiesAnnual incorporations04.06.Regional incorporation analysis07.Local authority incorporation analysis08.Sectoral incorporation analysis09.Methodology05.Q
2、uarterly incorporations10.About us01.ForewordDarren Pirie,Head of Accelerator&Partnerships,NatWest GroupThe latest Index presents a picture of UK entrepreneurship that is evolving,resilient,and full of potential.While the headline number of business formations dipped slightly in 2025-driven in part
3、by the impact of strengthened Companies House rules-there are still clear reasons for optimism.Most notably,the number of active businesses reached a record high of 5.66m by the end of the year.Despite the challenges many new businesses face,more are surviving,sustaining themselves,and contributing
4、to the UK economy than ever before.And there is further encouragement with the Index projecting that the number of active companies is on track to reach 5.71m by early 2027.Small businesses play a vital role in driving economic growth across the UK.While London remains the largest centre for new com
5、pany formations,the strongest growth came from the North East,North West and Scotland.This regional vibrancy highlights the talent and ambition found in every nation and region.As the biggest bank for businesses in Great Britain,NatWest has a deep understanding of both the obstacles and opportunitie
6、s facing founders.Our role is far more than providing finance,we aim to be a trusted partner,creating the right conditions for small businesses to start,scale and thrive.Through NatWest Accelerator,we are doing exactly that.This year we are expanding our community five-fold to 50,000 members.The res