UK Business Survival Rates Low in Several Cities, Report Finds

New research analyzing 84 UK towns and cities found that 33.5% of businesses in Doncaster survived their first five years, the lowest rate among locations studied. Liverpool recorded a second-lowest rate of 33.8%, followed by Newport at 34.4%, Salford at 34.8%, and Wolverhampton at 34.9%. The findings come as reports indicate that over 50,000 firms are in critical financial distress and 36% of small businesses are operating in survival mode.

The low survival rates are linked to mounting pressures on UK businesses, including persistent inflationary pressures, sluggish economic growth, and high operating costs. The research highlights significant differences in business viability across the country, with Bath recording the highest five-year survival rate at 46.7%.