Services turnover in the UK: 2019

• Total turnover generated by UK services industries increased by £186.7 billion (6.5%) from £2,869.4 billion in 2018 to £3,056.1 billion in 2019.
• The wholesale and retail trade sector, including the repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, generated the most turnover in 2019 at £1,438.2 billion, an increase of £124.0 billion (9.4%) since 2018.
• Turnover generated by businesses outside their main industrial classification (referred to as off-diagonal turnover), was estimated at £467.1 billion in 2019, representing 15.3% of total turnover (£3,056.1 billion), compared with 16.3% in 2018.
• The biggest proportional increase in turnover by sector was from the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply industries, which showed an increase of 24.4% between 2018 and 2019.
• Nearly half (49.2%) of the total turnover generated in 2019 was from the provision of wholesale services, retail services and from the repair and maintenance of motor vehicle and motorcycle products (Table 1) with a total of £1,411.6 billion.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The collection of the data contained in this statistical bulletin were affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, a response rate of 66% was achieved compared with our overall target of 75%.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released a public statement on the coronavirus and the production of statistics. Specific queries must be directed to the Media Relations Office.

Content of the bulletin

The Annual Survey of Goods and Services (ASGS) estimates are based on a sample of approximately 40,000 businesses, covering 51 service industries.

ASGS data are produced in compliance with the Code of Practice for Statistics. Further information on this is detailed in the ASGS technical report, which describes the methods used to safeguard the information provided in confidence to us.

The ASGS collects turnover data primarily at the six-digit level as outlined in the Statistical Classification of Products by Activity (CPA code) referred to in this release as service products. Exceptions to this are the wholesale industry, which is collected at three-digit level, and the retail trade and waste collection, treatment and disposal activities industries, which are collected at five-digit level.

CPA products that are industry-specific are referred to as “on-diagonal”; these are products assumed most closely related to the business’ main activities, based on businesses’ industrial classification. In contrast, products that are outside a business’ main industrial classification are referred to as “off-diagonal” products.

Quality

The Annual Survey of Goods and Services (ASGS) survey methodology is outlined in the Quality and Methodology Information report and in the ASGS technical report.

What's changed in this release?

Data for 2018 have been revised in this release.