A government-supported group is being established to represent the UK’s mid-sized businesses, often overlooked despite their significant contribution to the economy.

According to a NatWest report, these “unsung” firms could add an additional £115 billion to the UK economy by 2030 with the right support, driving growth particularly in regions outside London and the southeast.

Mid-sized businesses account for just 0.5% of UK companies but employ over 7.3 million people — more than a quarter of the private sector workforce. They play a crucial role in areas such as the West Midlands, northeast England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and Scotland, the report found.

However, challenges including skill shortages, poor regional infrastructure, and a lack of representation are holding back their growth. Unlike Germany’s Mittelstand, the UK’s mid-market firms lack a collective identity and advocacy platform, leaving their interests overshadowed by larger corporates and small business groups.

To address this, a “mid-market council” is set to launch in 2025, supported by NatWest and the Department of Business and Trade. The council will act as a unified voice for the sector, representing key industries and addressing critical issues such as infrastructure, planning, and skills shortages.

Paul Thwaite, NatWest’s CEO, stressed the importance of giving mid-sized companies greater visibility: “They don’t have a collective voice. There’s a lot of talk about small businesses, and large corporates have their own platform. These businesses need to be treated as a distinct segment.”

The report highlighted that poor infrastructure — including transport, broadband, housing, and grid connectivity — disproportionately affects mid-sized firms, particularly outside the southeast. A lack of skilled workers and a restrictive planning regime further hinder their ability to expand and innovate.

Jonathan Reynolds, business secretary, welcomed the creation of the council, noting that mid-sized businesses have the potential to outpace other market segments in growth, exports, and productivity. He said the council would “amplify their voice” and unlock untapped potential in the sector.

Jamie Young

Jamie is a seasoned business journalist and Senior Reporter at Business Matters, bringing over a decade of experience in UK SME business reporting. Jamie holds a degree in Business Administration and regularly participates in industry conferences and workshops to stay at the forefront of emerging trends. When not reporting on the latest business developments, Jamie is passionate about mentoring up-and-coming journalists and entrepreneurs, sharing their wealth of knowledge to inspire the next generation of business leaders.