Retail Sector

  • UK retail sales are around £300bn, the 3rd largest in the world, after the USA and Japan.
  • The retail sector generates 8% of the GDP of the UK, and 5.2% of GVA.
  • The retail industry employs around 3m people. One in ten of those in employment currently work in the retail sector - the highest proportion of UK private sector employment.
  • There are 450,000 shops in the UK owned by 300,000 enterprises, including 9% (190,000) of all VAT-registered businesses.
  • Shops account for more than a third of consumer spending.
  • Despite strong growth in recent years, internet sales currently account for only around 7.5% of total sales.

Ellis & Co has developed specialist accountancy services that support a wide range of retail businesses, primarily franchises, speciality outlets and restaurants