Ebay UK records lockdown surge in new businesses

Over the course of lockdown, eBay’s UK site saw a spike in the number of new businesses of 256% year on year.

The number of new start-ups joining the platform grew each month in lockdown, reaching the biggest year-on-year growth in June – up 335% on the same month last year.

The most popular categories for start-ups included fashion, cycling, fitness, DIY and skincare.

New business sign-ups were most prominent in the City of London and Westminster, which saw 3,346 start-ups joining, followed by Islington South and Manchester, which had 1,002 and 949 new businesses created in lockdown respectively. 

With more shoppers turning to online during lockdown, eBay’s global revenue jumped 21% to $2.9bn (£2.2bn) on a foreign exchange neutral basis in the second quarter to June 30.

The marketplace also saw an increase in the number of active buyers to 182 million – an influx of 8 million from the first quarter of 2020. 

Ebay UK vice-president Rob Hattrell said: “The boom in new businesses joining eBay in lockdown proves that when faced with a crisis, Brits see opportunity.

“The UK is a nation of entrepreneurs and this data shows that a global pandemic hasn’t dampened that spirit, but instead has spawned the rise of ‘the lockdown start-up’.

“I’m thrilled to see so many small businesses, start-ups and even side-hustlers take to eBay to sell, grow and even export internationally during this challenging time.”