As reported by London Loves Business, four in five UK small business sellers trading online feel confident about growth in the year ahead, despite ongoing economic challenges

New research commissioned shows that 80% of UK small business sellers using online platforms feel confident about their growth prospects over the next 12 months, with more than a third (36%) describing themselves as “very confident.”

The study, which surveyed 1,000 small businesses, highlights both optimism and ongoing challenges. While most sellers expect to grow, many cite barriers, including the tough UK economic climate (41%), lack of time due to work or childcare responsibilities (27%), and limited access to funding or credit (27%).

The findings also spotlight how small businesses are embracing technology. Three-quarters of respondents expressed excitement or curiosity about AI, with more than a third (37%) already using it for admin and content creation. Others are applying AI to test new products (33%) and to speed up product listings (32%).

London appears to be leading a shift towards community-driven entrepreneurship, with 26% of online sellers in the capital starting out in co-working or collaborative spaces – a rate significantly higher than in other UK regions.