‘Homepreneurs’ are emerging across London and the South East during lockdown, as time at home and changing employment conditions have encouraged many to consider new opportunities and think creatively about the future.

Digital learning provider, High Speed Training, has uncovered that London and the South East is the entrepreneurial hotspot of the UK, with 39% (401,000) of the businesses born in the UK over the last eight years originating in the region. The South West area has also seen a 29% uplift in new businesses since 2011.

High Speed Training has also revealed sign ups to its ‘Starting a Business’ online course increased by two thirds (61%) in the first six weeks of lockdown, compared to the same period last year.

The findings fit the theory that downturns can fuel a start-up boom. Whilst the coronavirus pandemic has delivered one of the fastest economic shocks in history, it is hoped that new ventures and ways of working will help to speed up recovery.

Designed to inspire resourceful Brits, High Speed Training has created a new, interactive map that reveals the hotspots for entrepreneurial talent across the UK. It utilises latest ONS data to identify the location of businesses born during the last eight years*.

Household names such as Whatsapp, Instagram, Uber and Groupon were all founded either during or very soon after an economic crisis. By creating a picture of the more entrepreneurial areas of the UK in the decade since the last recession, the map is intended to encourage would-be entrepreneurs to go for it.

Dr. Richard Anderson, Head of Learning & Development at High Speed Training, said: “The teeth of a recession can actually be the ideal time for innovators and entrepreneurs to create and launch their start-ups. Economic downturns have previously shown that new businesses can gain market opportunities and provide income for those struggling to secure – or who’ve lost – their job. The lockdown may provide an opportunity for homepreneurs to use their physical-distancing time to pick up a new skill or create a business plan to launch an Etsy shop or consultancy from their kitchen table.”

High Speed Training is a leading online training provider, delivering accredited digital training that helps people to be engaged, effective and safe in the workplace. It is the authority on personal development and compliance, providing the tools that can help individuals to achieve their aspirations, whether progressing an existing career path or breaking down the barriers to starting a new one.