Asian-owned businesses contribute an estimated £25 billion to the UK economy and make up more than 6% of all SMEs, according to research by De Montfort University Leicester and Barclays Eagle Labs. The study involved 125 interviews with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and support organisations across England and Wales.
Findings highlight consistent obstacles to growth, including cultural attitudes towards debt and risk, investor bias, limited access to elite business networks, and challenges in securing finance. The research recommends tailored investment products, accelerator programmes, and targeted business support to address these barriers.
The Asian Founders Network, established in 2023 by DMU and Barclays Eagle Labs, has engaged over 1,000 entrepreneurs through events, roundtables, and networking sessions. The initiative aims to enhance recognition of Asian founders’ contributions and provide access to resources that support scaling and innovation.
The report highlights the potential for policymakers, investors, and business support organizations to boost economic growth by removing structural barriers for underrepresented entrepreneurs.
