Our new Start-up Appetite report uncovers some intriguing insights about the nation's desire to launch new businesses.

Fifth of UK adults want to start a business in 2021

Insights

One in five adults in the UK want to start a business in 2021 – but 12% aren't sure where to start.

, reveals that young people in particular want to go down the entrepreneurial route this year.

Indeed, 34% of people aged 18 to 34 want to launch an independent enterprise, compared to 28% of 35 to 54-year-olds.

While over a third (37%) of all adults think it's easier to start a business now than it was 10 years ago, many need early-stage support to turn their idea into a reality.

Aside from the 12% who don't know where to begin, 19% say they need more training before taking the plunge. A further 8% say they're putting off their plans until things become more certain.

Enterprise Nation founder Emma Jones said that, while these findings show that the UK's start-up spirit is strong, it's clear that there's an "unmet need" to provide support and education at an early stage.

"The year 2020 will go down on record as the one in which we all made a mindful decision to support small businesses. Even 

"While that's unsurprising given the economic context, the brilliant thing is that considering everything we've heard about how the business community has fared, good and bad, there is still a relentless passion for enterprise even if there is a little more caution than there used to be."

Over half (54%) of those who want to launch their own business would prefer to set up an evening or weekend side hustle, with almost a quarter (24%) wishing to start a full-time enterprise – a figure that rises to 57% among those with active plans to launch in 2021.

Health, beauty, exercise and wellbeing are the sectors prospective entrepreneurs are most likely to look at, with manufacturing, tech and business services also seeing encouraging levels of interest.

The most common reason for wanting to start a business, which 37% of respondents agree with, is a long-standing desire to do so. Some 34% say it's because they want to top up their income, while 33% believe they've spotted an opportunity worth acting on.

The Start-up Appetite report, which was conducted in partnership with Start Up Loans, was undertaken by strategic insights firm Opinium between 16 and 18 December 2020. It polled 2,000 people in the UK aged 18+.

The UK's biggest start-up show of the new year is back! Attend StartUp 2022 on 21 January and enjoy access to over 100 inspirational entrepreneurs and experts to help you start and grow a business.

A fifth of UK adults want to start a business in 2021 - but they need more support

Our Start-up Appetite report uncovers some intriguing insights.



A fifth of UK adults want to start a business in 2021

Enterprise Nation has helped thousands of people start and grow their businesses. Led by founder, Emma Jones CBE, Enterprise Nation connects you to the resources and expertise to help you succeed.

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I’m Tara Elzingre, an independent consultant who’s passionate about helping business owners take control of their digital strategies without the overwhelm. I know firsthand as founder of Parene and Tara Elzingre Consultancy, how confusing and exhausting it can be to run a business online, where new tools and strategies are constantly popping up. My goal is to cut through that noise and help entrepreneurs like you find smart, sustainable ways to engage your audience, boost your productivity, and ultimately grow your revenue.
Most business owners face two big obstacles in the digital world: time and tech. Time gets eaten up trying to juggle marketing, engagement, and all the operational tasks that keep things running. Then, there’s the tech side—learning new tools, figuring out automation, and managing online platforms, all of which can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s not your area of expertise.I know that for many, these issues lead to frustration and even burnout. You start with enthusiasm, but constant pivots and endless tech choices can drain your energy fast. And with the pressure to constantly stay “visible” online, it’s easy to feel like you’re never doing enough.
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I’m here to make your digital strategy feel achievable, aligned, and tailored specifically to your business. My approach starts with understanding where you’re at and what matters most to you. I then introduce you to digital tools and strategies that simplify your workload, boost engagement, and save you time, all while enhancing your confidence with tech.
A key part of this process is learning to work with technology in a way that feels intuitive and empowering, not frustrating. Through 1:1 coaching and hands-on guidance, I make sure you’re equipped with practical skills and strategies, so you can start using digital tools to your advantage right away.
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My clients typically experience:
<ul>
<li>More time for the parts of their business they truly enjoy, thanks to efficient digital solutions.</li>
<li>Increased confidence with using new tools and automations, allowing them to work smarter, not harder.</li>
<li>Better engagement with their audience, from more streamlined social media practices to clearer messaging.</li>
<li>Revenue growth from strategic, simplified digital practices that actually convert without adding extra hours to the day.</li>
</ul>
<h3>How to Work with Me</h3>
If you’re ready to streamline your digital approach and get the right tools and mindset to succeed online, let’s chat. I offer tailored 1:1 sessions designed to meet you where you are and address your specific challenges. Together, we’ll build a plan that helps you work with intention and ease, so you can focus on what you do best—growing your business.

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This is just an Enterpise Nation test account. I&apos;m not here to provide any advice or guidance around digital products. That said, if you&apos;ve stumbled across this account and you want to learn more about how testing can help your business, please drop me a message and I&apos;ll respond.

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Please do not engage with this service, as it provides no value to our customers.

I am Justin Walton, an Executive and Financial coach and consultant working with ambitious entrepreneurs and business leaders who want to become their best selves at work and at home. This is a role I have pivoted to, having spent most of my career coaching people in the various roles I outline below.
When I work with clients, I look to align Meaning (sense of purpose and self), Mind (sense of health), Money (sense of wealth) and Momentum (sense of growth), so they are best placed to elevate their potential.
I have the Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching from Henley Business School and I am a Certified Financial Coach (CeFC) through The Money Panel. I am a member of the Institute of Leadership &amp; Management and of the Institute of Financial Wellbeing. Although I no longer practice in tax, I am a Chartered Tax Adviser and Member of the Association of Taxation Technicians (Fellow). During my time practicing in tax, I spent nearly two decades working for the large accountancy firms, BDO, MBS and KPMG.
I followed this period in professional practice with 10 years in-house at John Laing Group plc, where latterly I was their Group Head of Tax responsible for their global tax strategy, advisory and compliance. I led the in-house tax team and worked closely with the Main Board and the group&apos;s advisory and audit team. I left John Laing at the top of my game there, having successfully supported the group as a member of its Strategy Group that was responsible for the group&apos;s listing on The London Stock Exchange.
My focus as a tax specialist was on corporates, transactions and M&amp;A and I specialised in the property, construction and the infrastructure sectors.
After my time at John Laing, I ran my own tax consultancy and advisory business until 2023 when I switched full-time to coaching and consulting. From 2017 to 2023, I had a side hustle as founder of The Squash Club Business Network, a small, regional business network comprising professionals and business owners that met, networked and played squash. It was great fun but sadly we lost momentum during COVID when squash courts were closed.
Alongside my professional work, I run a property investment business through which I retain an active interest in investment management and property management.
I am also a Mental Health First Aider and volunteer for Andy&apos;s Man Club, a men&apos;s mental health and suicide prevention charity.
During my career I found time to spend over a decade as a school governor and to also be a Non-Executive Director for a property management business.
I do have lots of fun too! I love live music and sport and regularly attend events. I am a passionate QPR season ticket holder. I enjoy time travelling, particularly to Spain (another side hustle!). I play racketball and padel tennis and do spin classes to keep fit. My cheeky Cockerpoo keeps my steps up every day.
This diverse wealth of experience lends itself to a level of impactful storytelling in my coaching work that really supports my clients.
I&apos;d love to hear from you.
You can read my professional story in full <a href=&apos;https://www.justinwalton.co.uk/my-journey&apos; target=&apos;_self&apos;>here</a> .

Executive and Financial Coach and Consultant

Justin Walton

I am Justin Walton, an Executive and Financial coach and consultant working with ambitious entrepreneurs and business leaders who want to become their best selves at work and at home. This is a role I have pivoted to, having spent most of my career coaching people in the various roles I outline below.
When I work with clients, I look to align Meaning (sense of purpose and self), Mind (sense of health), Money (sense of wealth) and Momentum (sense of growth), so they are best placed to e

A fifth of UK adults want to start a business in 2021

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