The number of businesses in Ealing has remained virtually unchanged over the past six years despite the challenges faced by firms during the Covid-19 pandemic and cost-of-living crisis, according to new analysis of government data.
Figures from the Department for Business and Trade show there were 17,835 VAT and/or PAYE-registered businesses in the borough in 2025, compared with 17,885 in 2019 — a decline of just 0.28%.
Across London as a whole, the number of VAT and/or PAYE-registered businesses increased by 3.08% between 2019 and 2025, while the national increase was 0.60%.
While Ealing recorded a slight fall in business numbers, it performed better than some neighbouring boroughs over the same period.
Business numbers fell by 0.87% in Hounslow between 2019 and 2025, while Hammersmith & Fulham saw a larger decline of 4.20%.
Elsewhere in West London, Hillingdon recorded the strongest growth among Ealing’s neighbours, with business numbers rising by 8.24%, from 13,590 businesses in 2019 to 14,710 in 2025. Harrow also recorded growth of 1.22%, while Brent saw a modest increase of 0.10%.
The findings, analysed by workspace provider BizSpace using Department for Business and Trade data, placed Ealing 17th out of London’s 33 local authority areas.
Hackney recorded the strongest growth in London, with business numbers increasing by 21.06% over the six-year period. Barking and Dagenham ranked second with growth of 16.62%, followed by Camden on 16.23%.
At the other end of the table, Wandsworth recorded London’s largest decline, with business numbers falling by 12.74%. Richmond upon Thames and Kingston upon Thames also recorded significant decreases.
Aman Parmar, head of marketing at BizSpace, said: “It is encouraging in West London to see boroughs such as Hillingdon and Harrow experience growth over the six years analysed.
“However, even Ealing, experiencing a 0.28% decline when comparing the 2019 and 2025 figures, is within one percentage point of the UK national figure.”
Ealing Council said the figures reflected the impact of the pandemic, cost-of-living pressures and wider economic challenges facing businesses.
Councillor Monica Hamidi, cabinet member for good growth, told EALING.NEWS: “The borough of Ealing has a very strong and diverse range of businesses, with nearly 18,000 enterprises, making the area one of the largest business communities in west London.
“The small change in overall numbers between 2019 and 2025 reflects a period of significant national and global economic disruption, including the pandemic, cost of living pressures and changes in how businesses operate. While some sectors have contracted or consolidated, we have also seen growth in new and emerging industries, especially in tech.
“During this period, we published our Plan for Good Jobs, our Jobs and Skills Strategy and we are a founding partner of West Tech London, with Imperial College London, to attract higher-value jobs and jobs of the future to the borough.”
Councillor Hamidi added: “We are focused on supporting businesses to start, grow and invest locally. Small businesses, start-ups and entrepreneurs account for 99% of the borough’s economy but they are facing increasing rents. In response, the council recently published a new affordable workspace delivery plan.
“The council is also leading the way with its pioneering programmes including Good for Ealing, its borough apprenticeship and work experience schemes, which are ahead of the Alan Milburn Review on young people not in education, employment or training.
“In addition, major regeneration programmes are taking place, including in Southall, North Acton, which is getting a new business improvement district to help it thrive, and Old Oak, which will create the conditions for long-term sustainable economic growth and attract businesses to the area.
“Our priority is ensuring the borough is an increasingly attractive place to do business and we will help by providing support, skills and opportunities for entrepreneurs and employers to thrive.”
