The research, which analyses data from 2009 to 2015, investigates the relationship between the growth of the commercial vehicle industry and use of vehicles by businesses, with van dependent enterprises contributing £120 billion to the UK economy and travelling almost 102 billion km in 2014 alone.
The study found that since 2009, the number of registered commercial vehicles in the UK has increased by 400% as business and consumer confidence recovers and a greater demand for services and goods builds. This is mirrored by an 18% increase in self-employment as entrepreneurs and small businesses break away across a range of sectors.
As channels of consumption change and self-employment increases, the research also shows how parts of the UK economy have shifted from established ‘bricks and mortar’ organisations to online and start-ups with over a million new businesses registering since 2009.
By 2017, there are expected to be 11.7 million start-up businesses creating 3.4 million pop-up experiences with almost a third (29%) of new businesses launched in the UK during this time starting as a pop-up.
To celebrate the developing relationship between new and small businesses and their use of commercial vehicles, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has partnered with start-up specialists, Startup Direct, to offer its network of businesses hot-desking space in two uniquely designed sixth-generation Transporter vans. One is designed as a ‘Creative Hub’ complete with grass carpet and woodland, whilst the other, installed in a high-roof Transporter, is the ‘Power Office’; with views of the City, leather chairs and a wooden desk to evoke an executive lifestyle.
Commenting on the research and event, Carl zu Dohna, director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “Commercial vehicles play a huge role in start-up and small businesses and we're proud to supply the future drivers of British business with vehicles that help to deliver their goods and services.
“We admire the entrepreneurial minds of those in the UK who have continued to take risks and challenged traditional business industries in establishing exciting and forward-thinking new start-ups that use our vehicles. We know office space can often be at a premium; by working with Startup Direct we intend to offer individuals and businesses unique working spaces to inspire them,” he added.