Industries in Growth Stage of Life Cycle in the UK in 2026

1. Pension Funding in the UK

2026 Units *: 72.6

The Pension Funding industry has experienced a difficult five years. Since the onset of the financial crisis in 2008, financial markets have been battered, resulting in steep declines in assets returns. At the same time, voluntary contributions have also fallen due to the deteriorating economic climate and growing investor uncertainty. Amid this volatile environment, the government has introduced long awaited pension reform, beginning with the introduction of automatic enrolment in October 2012. This is expected to transform the industry during the next five years. Industry revenue – calculated as changes in investment income plus contributions – is estimated to grow... Learn More

2. Postal & Courier Activities in the UK

2026 Units *: 42.3

The postal market underwent a major change in 2006, when the industry was opened to full competition. Prior to this, only certain parts of the sector were open to competition and several competitors have entered the market through access agreements with Royal Mail since 2004. Under these agreements, competitors collect and sort mail, and then send it through Royal Mail for final delivery. According to Royal Mail, one in three letters were collected by competitors through access agreements in 2008-09. The volume of access mail rose 30% in 2007-08 to 5.3 billion items. However, Royal Mail continues to be the... Learn More

3. Real Estate Investment Trust Activities in the UK

2026 Units *: 29.9

Over the past five years, there have been drastic changes in the United Kingdom's economic landscape. The booming real estate values that previously allowed real estate investment trusts (REITs) to prosper declined sharply during the financial crisis. With many REITs forced to sell at the bottom of the market, the industry still has great ground to cover to make up for the falls of 2007-08 and 2008-09.

Several REITs were fortunate to survive the credit crunch. Their highly leveraged structures forced many to dispose of assets when the property market was at its lowest. This move further reduced rental property income... Learn More

4. Urban & Suburban Passenger Land Transport in the UK

2026 Units *: 28.5

The Urban and Suburban Passenger Rail industry has grown steadily over the past five years. In 2010-11, the industry will generate £3.1 billion, up 4.1% per annum since 2005-06. Industry growth has been supported by increased patronage due to by a higher population, higher employment levels, high fuel prices, congestion charges and even increased awareness of environmental issues. Total patronage of British railways has increased by 5.7% per annum since 2005-06. However, the recession has seen unemployment rise and the demand for commuter services decline. About 63% of all train journeys in the UK are for commuter services (i.e. trips... Learn More

5. Language Learning Software Developers in the UK

2026 Units *: 21.2

Industry operators create language-learning software, which includes features such as language-learning games, speech-recognition technology, online practice sessions with native speakers and language exchange platforms. Over the past five years, the industry has expanded substantially, with revenue estimated to grow at a compound annual rate of 26.4%. This impressive result is in part explained by the fact that the industry is relatively young, as the majority of its companies have been operating for less than 10 years. Language learning applications have grown massively in popularity among consumers, providing a cheaper alternative to traditional face-to-face courses, while allowing greater flexibility to users... Learn More

6. Travel Insurance in the UK

2026 Units *: 17.7

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7. Fraud Detection Software Developers in the UK

2026 Units *: 17.1

Operators in the Fraud Detection Software Developers industry develop algorithms and software to detect fraudulent activity, such as payment card fraud, money laundering activities, identity theft, and insurance and subscription fraud. The number of activities conducted on the web, including online commerce and online banking, has surged in recent years, triggering an explosion of data tools and software, including software designed to ensure that sensitive personal information and payment card information is kept safe. As organised crime schemes have become increasingly sophisticated, fraud detection software has followed suit. The growth in artificial intelligence (AI) has shifted industry interest from rule-based... Learn More

8. Venture Capital in the UK

2026 Units *: 15.6

The Venture Capital industry has seen healthy growth over the past decade, as investors increasingly turn to private markets, seeing the benefits of greater returns and portfolio diversification that a venture capitalist can offer. From being a niche area of finance consisting of old-school investors and investment bankers, venture capital has evolved to allow investors to capitalise on new technologies and innovations that could disrupt and shape the future. This phenomenon has become all too common in recent years, with the rapid pace of technological change giving rise to exciting advancements like generative AI.

Venture capital revenue is projected to grow... Learn More

9. Telehealth Services in the UK

2026 Units *: 14.6

The Telehealth Services industry uses digital technology to deliver medical services - including the diagnosis, treatment, assessment and monitoring of health concerns - and health education by connecting multiple users in different locations. Telehealth services are often provided through electrical devices such as phones and video conference systems. Telehealth systems are often used to support people with long-term health conditions such as diabetes or cancer to self-manage their conditions, remain more independent. The industry's services are also used to reduce hospital stays, enable earlier hospital discharge, and reduce the population's dependency on primary health and GP services.

Industry revenue has expanded... Learn More

10. 3D Printing & Rapid Prototyping Services in the UK

2026 Units *: 14.3

The 3D Printing and Rapid Prototyping Services industry has performed strongly over the past five years. Industry services are increasingly adopted by the automotive aftermarket, aircraft manufacturers and a wide range of sectors which has driven industry revenue growth. For these industries, 3D printing and rapid prototyping enhances the product development process while producing highly complex parts at a lower cost. Industry revenue is forecast to increase at a compound annual rate of 13.1% to reach £408.9 million over the five years through 2019-20. This includes forecast growth of 12.7% in the current year.

A steady increase in research and development... Learn More