This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Scottish Corporate Sector Statistics 2004
16/06/2005
In November 2004 there were 270,245 private sector enterprises operating in Scotland, with associated employment of 1.880 million. This is an increase of 7,700 (3%) enterprises since 2003.
The number of small enterprises (with fewer than 50 employees) increased to 264,660 (a increase of 7,805). Employment in these enterprises went up by 14,040 to 759,500.
The 3,345 medium sized enterprises (between 50 and 249 employees) provided 237,170 jobs, 7,700 fewer than in 2003.
SME's (enterprises with fewer than 250 employees) made up 99% of all enterprises and provided 53% of all jobs. Small enterprises, employing under 50, comprised 98% of all enterprises and 40% of all jobs. Enterprises with one or more employees comprised only 35% of all enterprises but provided 89% of all jobs.
The construction sector recorded the largest increase in the number of enterprises (+3,935). The health and social work (+2,500) and retail trade and repairs sectors (+2,290) also experienced considerable increases in the number of enterprises.
The business activities sector experienced the greatest increase in employment with a rise of 11,570 jobs. Health and social work sector also had a large increase in employment (+10,720) as did retail trade and repairs (+6,820).
Table: Number of Enterprises in Scotland
Size | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 |
0-49 | 226,510 | 230,865 | 237,555 | 246,300 | 256,855 | 264,660 |
50-249 | 3,270 | 3,350 | 3,500 | 3,490 | 3,415 | 3,345 |
250+ | 2,220 | 2,245 | 2,345 | 2,295 | 2,270 | 2,240 |
Total | 232,000 | 236,460 | 243,400 | 252,085 | 262,545 | 270,245 |
All the above figures exclude central and local government.
The Scottish Corporate Sector Statistics publication includes statistics on foreign ownership of firms operating in Scotland (for enterprises registered for VAT and/or PAYE only). The statistics show that in November 2004 81% of large firms had an ultimate country of ownership outside of Scotland, compared to 1% for small and 39% for medium sized firms. 34% of Scottish employment was in enterprises that are ultimately owned by a country outside of Scotland.
A full set of tables is available at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/about/ETLLD/EI/00018389/page1346731326.aspx