Scaleup Index

Beauhurst | November 15, 2022

The Scaleup Index

A comprehensive analysis of the UK's scaleup companies.

Take a look inside the report

In the fifth edition of the Scaleup Index, we explore 8,457 visible scaleup companies with more than 20% growth over three years—as well as 2,951 pipeline scaleups with 10 to 19% growth. Growing either headcount or turnover, or both, more visible scaleup companies than ever are operating across the UK.

Together, these companies employ 1.75m people—an important contribution to the UK economy. In 2021 alone, scaleups secured £8.8b in equity investment and £318m in Innovate UK grant funding, demonstrating their innovative nature.

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Beauhurst release first study of scale up companies

Beauhurst | November 14, 2017

We’ve just released The Scaleup Index, our analysis of the UK’s fastest-growing companies, in association with The ScaleUp Institute and Smith & Williamson.

The report is the first analysis of all visible scaleups in the UK, and is the first detailed examination of the fastest-growing businesses in Britain.

The Index explores data on scaleups’ geography, financials, demographics, sectors, funding, employees, and more. It also includes a comprehensive list of every visible scaleup in Britain.

Key findings

Most scaleups are not technology focussed, with the majority operating in property, distribution, and manufacturing
BGF is the most active funder of UK scaleups, completing twice as many deals as the next most active funder
Equity investment boosts the pace of scaleup growth – the more equity invested, the faster the growth
Leeds and Birmingham have the most scaleups outside London
Just 4% of scaleups have a female founder, although 47% have at least one female director
Fewer than 3% of scaleups have a director younger than 30

Commentary

Toby Austin, CEO of Beauhurst, commented:

“We’re proud that our data shows it’s not just young, tech-focussed companies driving the UK’s economy. Older, more established businesses are experiencing growth episodes that are providing crucial boosts to employment and GDP.I hope our data will lead to these companies getting the recognition they deserve.”

Irene Graham, CEO, ScaleUp Institute, agreed:

“We can only effectively support these companies if we know who they are, where they are, and what they do. The research shows the diversity of our scaleups, their breadth of sectors and presence up and down the country. They are vital to the strength of the UK’s economy.”

Finally, Stephen Welton, the CEO of BGF, had this to add:

“Scaleups and aspiring scaleups have the most potential to make a disproportionately large impact on innovation, productivity, employment and ultimately growth of the whole economy…This data shows that although the funding ecosystem that exists is relatively healthy, it is sub-scale. We need more capital and funds that can deploy investment across all sectors and UK regions.

Read the full report