The UK wholesale sector operating on a fee or contract basis is projected to see a gradual decline, moving from 14.45 thousand enterprises in 2024 to 13.95 thousand in 2028. This indicates a consistent decrease in the number of enterprises each year. As a context, there were 14.58 thousand enterprises in 2023, signaling a year-on-year decline in 2024. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the five-year forecast period suggests a slight reduction in the sector's scale.

Future trends to watch for:

Increase in automation and digital transformation could reshape operational efficiencies and competitive dynamics.
Changes in trade policies, especially related to Brexit, might influence market access and supply chain configurations.
Growing emphasis on sustainability and ethical practices may affect sourcing and partnership frameworks.