Private capital investment in 2024 supported nearly 1,600 UK businesses, 90% of which were small or medium-sized. Notably, 58% were based outside London, with significant growth seen in the East of England (£4.7bn, up from £1.3bn), North West (£2.3bn, up from £885m), and South West (£2.2bn, up from £717m). Key sectors included IT, communications, biotech, healthcare, and business services. EY analysis for the BVCA highlights the expanding impact of private equity and venture capital across the UK’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Private capital now contributes nearly £200bn annually to the UK economy, representing 7% of GDP—up from 6% in 2023. This significant impact reflects the industry’s long-term investment approach, offering businesses stable backing through both strong economic periods and times of uncertainty.