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Introduction

The most recent data in this report is for 2023 and refers to businesses that were active between December 2022 and December 2023.

Main points

  • The total number of enterprises active in Wales during 2023 was 102,215. This was a decrease of 2,305 enterprises (2.2%) compared to 2022. 
  • There were 10,520 enterprise births in Wales during 2023, which is a rate of 10.3%. In comparison, the UK business birth rate was 11.0%. 
  • There were 11,300 enterprise deaths in Wales during 2023, which is a rate of 11.1%. In comparison, the UK death rate was 10.8%. 
  • The 5 year survival rate for enterprises born in 2018 and still active in 2023 for Wales was 36.6%, below the UK survival rate of 39.4%. The highest 5 year survival rate was in Northern Ireland (47.7%), whilst the lowest was in the West Midlands (34.7%).
  • The 1 year survival rate for enterprises born in 2022 and still active in 2023 for Wales was 91.8%, below the UK survival rate of 92.3%. The highest 1 year survival rate was in the South East (93.4%), and the lowest was in Northern Ireland (90.8%).

Note

Rates calculated as percentage of stock.

The detailed Business demography dataset on StatsWales will be updated to include these new data as soon as possible.

Contact details

Statistician: Emma Horncastle
Email: economic.stats@gov.wales

Media: 0300 025 8099