In 2023, the number of self-employed individuals in the UK's wholesale sector (excluding motor vehicles and motorcycles) stood at an actual figure. The forecasts beginning in 2024 suggest a gradual decline, starting from 66.67 thousand units and tapering down to 65.96 thousand units by 2028.
The year-on-year percentage variations show small but consistent decreases, highlighting a trend of decline over the forecast period. Over the five-year span from 2024 to 2028, this translates to a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) that reflects a slight negative growth trend.
Looking forward, several potential factors could influence this trend, including economic shifts, evolving market demands, digital transformation in wholesale practices, and regulatory changes. Future trends to watch for include increased automation and digital solutions, which could alter self-employment dynamics in the sector, as well as potential economic policy changes post-Brexit. Monitoring these elements will be crucial to understanding the broader impacts on self-employment within the industry.