Liverpool’s startup ecosystem is experiencing a remarkable surge, with new data from Beauhurst revealing a whopping 92,610 active businesses operating in the region – the highest ever on record.
Key regional industries driving the momentum include fintech, AI, e-commerce, and renewable energy. In March, a 10-year Health and Life Sciences investment zone was announced, also adding to its upwards trajectory.
The news comes as Liverpool Slush’D – a spin-off of Helsinki’s famed Slush – aimed at boosting Liverpool’s startup scene, celebrates its second year.
This year, Liverpool Slush’D features speakers including Secret Millionaire Dragon Piers Linney and Sir Robin Saxby, Liverpool Uni graduate and former CEO of the world’s most successful processor company, ARM. Its theme, Liverpool’s Blueprint for Resilient Growth, is designed to highlight how local startups are transforming challenges into opportunities for expansion. Facing a triple whammy of pandemic recovery, the cost of living crisis, and recent riots, the region prides itself on being resilient owed to its tight-knit community.
In recent years, Liverpool has aimed to overcome these growth challenges and reduce reliance on large employers by backing startups. Local business leaders believe Liverpool has the potential to become a major entrepreneurial hub due to its access to talent, excellent connectivity, and relatively low startup costs.
Jonathon Clark, director of Liverpool Slush’D said: “We’re proud to celebrate our second year of Slush’D. Despite the challenging economic climate, there’s incredible momentum driving enterprise forward. In the months ahead, we hope the government steps up to support our city region and unlock the untapped potential to boost our local economy.
“This isn’t just about more investment. With the public sector making up nearly 50% of the UK’s GDP, current procurement rules are sidelining the startups and SMEs that fuel innovation and community wealth. It’s time to fix this imbalance. Homegrown businesses deserve a fair shot to compete and thrive. We urge the government to seize this opportunity to drive growth and strengthen the economy by backing the SMEs that power real progress.”
Claire Lewis, CEO of Baltic Ventures, the early-stage tech accelerator based in the Liverpool City Region, added: “This is yet another piece of data showing the positive economic momentum in the Liverpool City Region and confirming the entrepreneurial talent base that is here and is being attracted to this region. Entrepreneurs are building innovative businesses across multiple sectors illustrating the depth of the region’s growing economic strength. It’s imperative that we are able to continue this momentum by ensuring these businesses have access to the investment funding they need to scale and grow.”
