Fastest Declining Industries in the UK by Revenue Growth (%) in 2025

1. Hard Coal Mining in the UK

2025-2026 Revenue Growth: -82.8%

Over the five years through 2022-23, hard coal mining revenue is forecast to fall at a compound annual rate of 26.2%. Before COVID-19 hit, coal prices were inching downwards as demand for coal from electricity generators fell. The drop in sales and revenue has contributed to a sharp drop in the number of UK coal mines in the UK, with numerous mining licences expiring.

The COVID-19 outbreak accelerated the closure of coal mines in the UK; however, as the pandemic started to wind down, coal prices rose in response to supply chain disruptions. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has also played a... Learn More

2. Chemical & Fertiliser Mineral Mining in the UK

2025-2026 Revenue Growth: -31.2%

The Chemical and Fertiliser Mineral Mining industry's revenue has expanded at a compound annual rate of 1.1% over the past five years. The industry's production has shifted considerably as the largest mineral extractor, Cleveland Potash, changed its mine's production from muriate of potash to sulphate of potash (polyhalite) in 2018, causing revenue to fall as the company had to ramp up production. The two other major companies in the industry, Schlumberger Oilfield and Fluorsid British Fluorspar have also shifted production, with Schlumberger opening a new mine and Fluorsid moving mining operations from the western to the eastern portion of its... Learn More

3. Gas Supply in the UK

2025-2026 Revenue Growth: -21.9%

The gas supply industry has experienced a period of significant volatility in recent years. Industry regulator Ofgem encouraged greater competition in the industry prior to the pandemic, leading to a rapid rise in the market share of independent suppliers. This culminated in the effective break-up of the former Big Six energy suppliers in January 2020, following OVO Energy's acquisition of SSE's domestic customer book. However, record-high wholesale prices have reversed the upward trend in market participation since the pandemic, forcing 31 energy suppliers out of the industry.

Revenue is forecast to increase at a compound annual rate of 4.7% to reach... Learn More

4. Fertiliser & Nitrogen Compound Manufacturing in the UK

2025-2026 Revenue Growth: -17.9%

Over the five years through 2022-23, the Fertiliser and Nitrogen Compound Manufacturing industry's revenue is set to swell at a compound annual rate of 10.6% to £2.7 billion. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has inflated natural gas prices, a key feedstock in fertiliser production, significantly disrupting operations. High fertiliser prices have forced farmers to adapt by increasing their spreading efficiency, reducing the amount of fertiliser farmers need. Even though output has been slashed, high fertiliser prices have still boosted industry revenue.

Despite soaring natural gas prices eating into profit, manufacturers have begun optimising output to reduce costs, meet lower demand and... Learn More

5. Steel Drum & Similar Container Manufacturing in the UK

2025-2026 Revenue Growth: -15.1%

The Steel Drum and Similar Container Manufacturing industry's revenue is expected to contract at a compound annual rate of 1.7% over the five years through 2023-24. The pandemic caused significant damage to downstream manufacturers, limiting the need for steel drums and containers. However, the industry benefitted from the swift recovery of downstream buyers like those in the food and drink sectors. Domestic steel drum and container manufacturers have struggled with steep competition from imports, with manufacturers in China benefitting from cheaper steel, labour and energy costs.

The Steel Drum and Similar Container Manufacturing industry's revenue is estimated to shrink by 0.2%... Learn More

6. Electricity Production in the UK

2025-2026 Revenue Growth: -12.2%

In recent years, the UK government has encouraged a shift towards low-carbon electricity generation to meet emissions targets. Rapid growth in renewable generating capacity has culminated in renewables accounting for more than 40% of electricity generation in 2022, up from 29.2% in 2017. Increased investment in renewables has boosted revenue in recent years, with government-initiated schemes presenting lucrative growth opportunities in the face of fluctuating electricity consumption trends. Electricity generators' revenue is forecast to increase at a compound annual rate of 3.1% to reach £30.9 billion over the five years through 2023-24.

Falling wholesale prices and a notable decline in electricity... Learn More

7. Railway & Underground Railway Construction in the UK

2025-2026 Revenue Growth: -11.2%

Rail construction companies work under contract from public sector bodies funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) to develop and maintain the UK rail network. Network Rail organises investment in rail into five-year cycles called Control Periods (CP), which can induce volatility – this was displayed at the end of CP5 when revenue peaked in 2018-19 before crashing at the start of CP6. A full public sector wallet for rail infrastructure has added to volatility and fuelled a decreasing revenue trend. Over the five years through 2023-24, the railway and underground construction industry is expected to contract at a compound... Learn More

8. Pipeline Transport in the UK

2025-2026 Revenue Growth: -10.8%

Natural gas reserves in the UK, domestic electricity production and the world prices of natural gas and crude oil significantly influence the performance of pipeline operators. The complex infrastructure of long-distance pipeline transport lends itself to a limited number of operators rather than a host of companies in charge of various sections across different regions. As a result, most companies in the industry operate as monopolies, although bodies like Ofgem and NIAUR tightly regulate them. The National Grid dominates and accounts for the bulk of activity as it owns the gas transmission system in Great Britain. Revenue dove sharply in... Learn More

9. Live Animal Wholesaling in the UK

2025-2026 Revenue Growth: -10.3%

The price and demand for cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry and horses strongly influence live animal wholesalers' revenue. Abattoirs, a major market for wholesalers, have contended with labour shortages after they lost access to the EU labour pool following Brexit. Abattoirs had to operate substantially below capacity during parts of 2021, prompting the government to issue temporary visas for 800 foreign butchers, helping to ease shortages. However, abattoir numbers are tumbling because of high operating costs, tightening regulations regarding animal welfare and low profitability – constraining the potential market for wholesalers. Teething issues regarding new trade certifications at EU-UK borders led... Learn More

10. Road & Motorway Construction in the UK

2025-2026 Revenue Growth: -10.1%

With roads arguably the most critical infrastructure in the UK, it typically falls on the government to distribute the funds necessary to build and maintain roads. A deep public sector wallet for transport infrastructure has supported substantial road and motorway construction demand. However, tighter spending on maintenance and delays to major projects have restricted growth opportunities. Over the five years through 2023-24, the Road and Motorway construction industry is expected to contract at a compound annual rate of 1.8% to £9.9 billion.

The Road Investment Strategy (RIS) and subsequent RIS2 set out a strong pipeline of publicly funded infrastructure projects. The... Learn More