Britain’s small online businesses are demonstrating resilience and optimism about their future, with nearly four in five expecting to grow over the next year despite persistent economic challenges, according to new research published by eBay UK.
The study, which surveyed 1,000 small firms selling through ecommerce platforms, revealed that 78 per cent anticipate growth in the coming 12 months. Business owners cited strong consumer demand (30 per cent), new selling tools and technological innovation (20 per cent), improved support from ecommerce providers (17 per cent) and stabilising economic conditions such as interest rates (16 per cent) as the main drivers of optimism.
The report also highlighted the rapid adoption of digital technologies by small businesses. Almost seven in ten respondents said they were either excited (43 per cent) or curious (26 per cent) about the potential of artificial intelligence, while 31 per cent reported already using it to streamline administrative tasks and create content. A further 27 per cent said they are using AI to speed up product listings, explore new product ideas, and expand their customer base.
However, challenges remain for many entrepreneurs. The most significant obstacles identified were the wider UK economic climate (37 per cent), time pressures (30 per cent), difficulty accessing funding (24 per cent), low business confidence (24 per cent) and administrative burdens (20 per cent).
The findings also underscore the rise of digital-first entrepreneurship, where individuals are launching businesses with limited resources and often from their own homes. Almost half of those surveyed (44 per cent) said they started with less than £1,000, while 3 per cent began with no upfront capital. Many were founded at home, with 38 per cent starting from bedrooms, 21 per cent from kitchen tables, and 15 per cent from garages.
What began for some as small-scale ventures are now becoming primary careers. The study found that 69 per cent of respondents consider their ecommerce operations to be their main source of income or a full-time business pursuit, signalling a shift away from traditional employment towards more flexible, digital-first work.
Eve Williams, General Manager of eBay UK, said the findings showed how small businesses are redefining entrepreneurship. “Often with less than £1,000, people are creating careers on their own terms by building meaningful, resilient businesses from bedrooms, garages and kitchen tables,” she said.
“What’s striking is the confidence in the future these businesses have, particularly amidst significant economic uncertainty. Ambitious and adaptable, many are already embracing tools to scale smarter and grow faster. At eBay we’re proud to support their journey, lowering barriers to entry, championing innovation, and helping sellers build flexible, digital-first businesses designed for the future of work.”
The research reflects a growing trend of entrepreneurial resilience in the UK, with digital platforms offering both opportunities and challenges for small business owners navigating uncertain times.
