The research, conducted by Capital on Tap, surveyed over 1,000 people across the UK to uncover which cities have the highest number of aspiring entrepreneurs. Nottingham topped the list with 80%, followed by Birmingham at 76%, and Swansea close behind at 75%.
The findings suggest that Swansea’s coastal location, growing digital sector, and strong links to local universities are helping to foster a vibrant start-up culture. The city’s supportive community and evolving business ecosystem may also be encouraging residents to pursue their own ventures.
Top 10 UK cities for aspiring entrepreneurs
| Rank | City | % of respondents who have considered starting a business |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nottingham | 80% |
| 2 | Birmingham | 76% |
| 3 | Swansea | 75% |
| 4 | Oxford | 72% |
| 5 | Lincoln | 71% |
| 6 | Newport | 70% |
| 7 | Canterbury | 69% |
| 8 | St Albans | 68% |
| 9= | Belfast | 67% |
| 9= | Bristol | 67% |
What’s driving the entrepreneurial spirit?
The survey found that 61% of Brits have considered launching their own business, with nearly half citing “being my own boss” as the top motivator. Other popular reasons include:
- Flexible working hours (38%)
- Better work-life balance (32%)
- Financial independence (31%)
- Turning a hobby into a career (25%)
Most popular business ideas
When asked what kind of business they’d most like to start, respondents said:
- Café, restaurant or food truck (20%)
- Online retail store (16%)
- Airbnb or short-term property rental (10%)
- Technology ventures and speciality shops (both 9%)
What’s holding people back?
Despite strong interest, many aspiring entrepreneurs face barriers:
- Lack of startup funds (36%)
- Fear of failure (29%)
- Not knowing where to start (24%)
- Uncertainty about profitability (23%)
- Leaving a stable income and lack of self-belief (both 22%)
Hugh Acland, Chief Commercial Officer at Capital on Tap, said: “While raising capital may seem daunting, there are a variety of ways to access funding — from government-backed loans to crowdfunding and angel investors. A business savings account and a solid emergency fund can also help build financial resilience.”
Acland added that starting with a business plan, seeking advice from other entrepreneurs, and using online courses or workshops can help turn ideas into action.
