New national data reveals the confidence crisis and money myths stopping millions of Brits from taking the leap into business ownership.
The UK is sitting on an untapped wave of would-be entrepreneurs, according to new research from AnyBusiness.
A nationally representative survey of 2,500 UK adults found that 49% of people have dreamed of starting or buying a business — yet just 13% have ever taken a single step towards it.
The findings expose a stark gap between ambition and action, with Brits citing money worries, lack of guidance, and outdated assumptions as the main barriers.
The Real Reasons Brits Aren’t Taking the Leap
When asked “What’s stopping you from starting or buying a business?”, respondents pointed to perceived — not actual — roadblocks:
- 41% – “I don’t have enough savings or access to finance.”
- 25% – “I’m worried the business might fail.”
- 13% – “I wouldn’t know where to start.”
- 9% – “Too much red tape or paperwork.”
- 6% – “I don’t have time outside my current job.”
- 4% – “The economy feels too uncertain.”
Yet most said they would take the leap if money anxiety was removed: 59% would start or buy a business within a year if finance wasn’t a barrier.
“This is the UK’s confidence gap — not an ambition gap,” says Mary Tamvakologos, Managing Director at AnyBusiness.
“Brits aren’t afraid of owning a business. They’re afraid of the information they don’t have. One of the biggest myths we hear is that you need a six-figure lump sum to get started — and it simply isn’t true.”
The Four Myths Holding Brits Back
Myth 1: “You need huge savings to buy a business.”
False.
“Many profitable UK small businesses list for under £80,000, and bank or vendor finance often bridges the gap,” says Tamvakologos. “People wildly overestimate the entry cost.”
Myth 2: “It’s too risky — most new businesses fail.”
Buying an established business with existing customers is often less risky than starting from scratch. Due diligence matters far more than luck.
Myth 3: “Red tape makes it impossible.”
Most requirements are checklist-based: insurance, licences, registrations. A 30-minute conversation with an accountant or broker usually clarifies everything.
Myth 4: “High interest rates make it the wrong time to buy.”
In reality, tougher conditions often mean better deals and more motivated sellers. For well-prepared buyers, uncertain times can be the best entry point.
Brits Want to Buy a Business — They Just Don’t Know How
When asked what would make them more likely to take the leap:
- 36% – Access to affordable small business loans
- 28% – A simple step-by-step guide on how to start or buy
- 19% – Mentoring or expert advice
- 11% – Reduced red tape or faster registration
- 6% – Tax incentives or grants
Tamvakologos believes this shows a UK-wide knowledge gap — not a lack of drive.
“People want independence and flexibility — they just don’t know where to begin or assume it’s out of reach.”
The Businesses Brits Most Want to Own
When asked what type of business they’d choose:
- 27% – A local café, retail or food business
- 25% – An online or eCommerce store
- 18% – A service-based business (trades, cleaning, beauty, etc.)
- 12% – A franchise
- 10% – Consultancy or professional services
- 8% – Other / unsure
AnyBusiness notes that many of these categories frequently list under £80,000 — challenging the belief that ownership requires deep pockets.
The National Impact: A Missed Entrepreneurship Wave
Experts warn that if Brits continue to overestimate the cost and risk, the UK could see:
- fewer new SMEs
- weaker high streets
- slower job creation
- reduced regional economic growth
“If even ten per cent of the people who want to buy a business actually did it, the UK would see thousands of new operators revitalising communities,” says Tamvakologos.
Survey conducted online by AnyBusiness between 1–10 November 2025 among 2,500 UK adults aged 18+.
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