Whilst it’s hard to say exactly how many businesses are there in Doncaster, the data shows that there are roughly 25,000 trading right now. The vast majority of these are small businesses with less than five employees. Some of the top firms based on revenue include Stoneacre Ltd, Polypipe Group. Also, the house-building companies Avant Homes and Keepmoat Homes. Keep reading to learn more about Doncaster’s economy.
Industry in Doncaster
Now that you know how many businesses are there in Doncaster, let’s take a look at what industries are thriving. The city has a strong industrial heritage that’s built on coal and rail, with The Flying Scotsman and The Mallard both being built there. It now has a prosperous economy, with particular expertise in rail, engineering, aviation and advanced manufacturing.
Doncaster is well-known for its flourishing logistics sector. Its location allows for the efficient movement of goods throughout the whole of the UK, whether by road, rail, air or sea. The city is building an unbeatable reputation as a leading global logistics hub. The rapidly expanding logistics sector has an economic output of around £1 billion. Employing approximately 35,000 people, it is continuing to grow at pace, creating hundreds of extra jobs every year.
Doncaster also offers fantastic opportunities for businesses in innovative emerging sectors such as creative and digital. This extends to high-tech enterprises keen to develop future technology and green energy projects. City leaders aim to reach a net zero target. This means they’re eager to attract businesses that are committed to reducing their carbon footprint or can deliver on the decarbonisation agenda.
One of the best UK cities for independent businesses 
A new survey has revealed that Doncaster is the 19th best city in the UK for independent businesses. Created by business analysts Bionic, the index uses nine different metrics to determine which area has the strongest independent economy, where smaller businesses can thrive. The data revealed that Doncaster had 669 businesses per 10,000 people, as well as 91.2% active small businesses.
Doncaster also has some of the cheapest office floor space per square metre, at just £98. Across the UK, there has been a significant rise in the number of small businesses. Doncaster is one of the cities with the highest growth in new business in the past five years, with an impressive 34.2% survival rate.
Doncaster’s ‘Launchpad’ programme
Doncaster’s ‘Launchpad’ programme is proving to be very effective in helping ambitious entrepreneurs start up independent businesses. Launchpad provides fully funded support to both new and existing businesses in the area. The programme helps people launch and run successful businesses, as well as support micro businesses of any age. The programme, which has cost £3.5 million, is delivered through a collaboration with the local authorities and Princes Trust.
A boom in local freight transport businesses
The data revealed that Doncaster had the biggest increase in freight transport business start-ups than nearly anywhere else in the country. This rapid rise has been fuelled largely by the increase in remote working and online shopping which has led to a higher demand for getting things delivered faster. The Covid-19 pandemic changed the logistics landscape dramatically, creating a gap in the market for reliable couriers.
One of the best places in Europe for investment
Doncaster has been named one of the top places in Europe in which to invest. The annually-held FDI European Cities and Region of the Future competition has ranked Doncaster first in its Small European Cities Of The Future list. The ranking is based on a number of factors, including its economic potential, cost-effectiveness, business friendliness and connectivity.
Judges commended Doncaster for its commitment to sustainability in business growth, developing skills and for making the city a better place to do business.
Invest in web development in Doncaster
Web development can benefit businesses in all industries, helping them to showcase their business online, attract new customers and increase sales. Web development simply involves the building and maintenance of websites. It refers to the work that occurs behind the scenes to make a website look fantastic, perform well and offer a seamless user experience. Web developers do this using various coding languages.
These days, any business that’s looking to succeed online should be looking to invest in professional web development in Doncaster. Those that don’t have a great-looking and functional website are likely to get left behind by their more forward-thinking competitors.
At jask Media, we’re one of the leading web developers in Doncaster. We serve businesses in a wide range of industries, from blind companies and removal firms to chiropractic clinics. Highly experienced, we have all the skills and knowledge needed to create beautiful websites that are easy to use and turn visitors into customers.
Digital marketing services
At jask Media, we don’t just design and develop websites. We also offer a range of digital marketing services to allow you to promote your business online. Our team can assist with everything from SEO and PPC to branding and social media. We can tailor our service to your needs, with our team really getting to know your business. We take the time to understand your goals for the future. Our prices are some of the most competitive in the area too, making our services accessible to businesses of all sizes and with various budgets.
Contact us
Whether you’re a start-up or an established business, you may require web development in Doncaster. You can reach us by calling 01302 969019 or by sending us a message via our website. Our friendly team are waiting to discuss your requirements with you and provide you with a free quote for our services. Book a consultation with one of our web developers now.