Electronic & Telecommunications Equipment Wholesaling in the UK - Market Research Report (2013-2028)
London, United Kingdom
Last Updated: December 2023
SIC G46.520Revenue
£16.7bn
Past 5-Year Growth
Profit
£X.Xbn
Employees
37,162
Businesses
2,793
Wages
£X.Xbn
Electronic & Telecommunications Equipment Wholesaling in the UK industry analysis
Growing sales of smartphones, Wi-Fi routers and modems have supported electronic equipment wholesalers. Technology advancements and new smartphone model launches have encouraged people to update their handsets more frequently. The replacement cycles of electronic goods have been shortening, with businesses and consumers aiming to keep up-to-date with the latest technology. However, this trend has led to wholesalers' stocks depreciating faster, leading to a growth in software-as-a-service providers. Over the five years through 2022-23, revenue is forecast to contract at a compound annual rate of 2.5% to £16.7 billion.The COVID-19 outbreak led to a collapse in demand during 2020-21. A global shortage of semiconductors has weighed on profitability since the outbreak as they're a key component in many electronics. That's why the average industry profit margin fell over 2020-21 and is set to remain low in the two years since. In 2022-23, revenue is projected to fall by 1.1% as the healthcare and education sector face real terms funding cuts, limiting investment and electronics sales.Over the five years through 2027-28, revenue is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate of 1.6% to £18.1 billion. Confidence in global markets is set to recover as inflationary pressures begin to subside. This will encourage businesses to invest and upgrade their technology, some of which has been delayed since the COVID-19 outbreak. Supply concerns regarding semiconductors are set to ease, lowering purchase costs and supporting growth in the average industry profit margin. Technological advancements and improvements to infrastructure are anticipated to drive innovation (e.g the continued expansion of 5G networks, the Internet of Things and AI).
Trends and Insights
- Technological advancements and improvements to infrastructure drive innovation. Wholesalers will benefit from the continued expansion of 5G networks, the growing Internet of Things and use of AI.
- Technological change is rapid, with new products coming to market yearly. Internet-enabled devices have become more prominent.
- The South East offers wholesalers access to commercial customers. The South East is also close to large ports, which can improve supply chain efficiency.
- Wholesale bypass and vertical integration threaten wholesalers. Wholesale byapss and vertical integration can offer companies lower purchase costs and greater reliability in their supply chain.
Industry Overview
Market size and recent performance (2013-2028)
Industry revenue has declined at a CAGR of 2.5 % over the past five years, to reach an estimated £16.7bn in 2023.
Trends and Insights
The rising dependence on technology drives electronic sales
- Demand for electronic and telecommunications equipment is underpinned by consumers' and businesses' growing dependence on such technologies.
- Additional trends and insights available with purchase
Industry outlook (2024-2029)
Market size is projected to grow over the next five years.
Trends and Insights
Increasing adoption of IT and telecommunications will drive growth
- Wholesalers will benefit from the expansion of 5G mobile networks.
Biggest companies in the Electronic & Telecommunications Equipment Wholesaling in the UK
| Company | Market Share (%)
2023 | Revenue (£m)
2023 |
|---|---|---|
Samsung Electronics (UK) Ltd | 2,426.3 | |
Cisco International Ltd | 1,128.7 | |
Premier Farnell UK Ltd | 693.3 |
To view the market share and analysis for all 4 top companies in this industry, view purchase options.
Products & Services Segmentation
Electronic & Telecommunications Equipment Wholesaling in the UK
Products & Services
Industry revenue is measured across several distinct product and services lines, including Telecommunications equipment , Electronic components and Smartphones. Telecommunications equipment is the largest segment of the Electronic & Telecommunications Equipment Wholesaling in the UK.
Trends and Insights
Internet-enabled home devices sparks telecommunications equipment sales
- Telecommunications equipment includes broadcasting, communications and navigational equipment, as well as telephones, modems, routers and radios.
- More insights available in the full report
Widen you competitive advantage with related industries
Competitors
- There are no industries to display.
Complementors
- Electronic Component Manufacturing in the UK
- Household Appliance & Television Wholesaling in the UK
- Computer & Peripheral Equipment Wholesaling in the UK
- Office Furniture Wholesaling in the UK
International industries
- Electrical Equipment Wholesaling in the US
- Electronic Part & Equipment Wholesaling in the US
- Electrical Equipment Wholesaling in Canada
- Electronic Part & Equipment Wholesaling in Canada
- Telecommunications and Other Electrical Goods Wholesaling in Australia
Table of Contents
About this industry
Industry definition
Wholesalers in this industry sell electronic parts, telecommunications equipment, and blank CDs and DVDs. The industry does not cover discs and tapes that have already been recorded on. Selling computers and peripheral computer equipment is also not included in the industry.
What's included in this industry?
Telecommunications equipment Electronic componentsSmartphonesCompanies
Samsung Electronics (UK) LtdCisco International LtdPremier Farnell UK LtdPurchase this report to view all 4 major companies in this industry.
Related Terms
INTEGRATED CIRCUITSEMICONDUCTORPRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDIndustry Code
SIC 46.52 - Electronic & Telecommunications Equipment Wholesaling in the UK
Performance
Get an indication of the industry's health through historical, current and forward-looking trends in the performance indicators that make or break businesses.
Analyst insights
Technological advancements and improvements to infrastructure drive innovation. Wholesalers will benefit from the continued expansion of 5G networks, the growing Internet of ...
In this chapter (4)
- Current Performance
- Outlook
- Volatility
- Life Cycle
Key metrics
- Annual Revenue, Recent Growth, Forecast, Revenue Volatility
- Number of Employees, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Employee
- Number of Businesses, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Business
- Total Profit, Profit Margin, Profit per Business
Charts
- Revenue, including historical (2013-2022) and forecast (2023-2028)
- Employees, including historical (2013-2022) and forecast (2023-2028)
- Businesses, including historical (2013-2022) and forecast (2023-2028)
- Profit, including historical (2013-2023)
- Industry Volatility vs. Revenue Growth
- Industry Life Cycle
Detailed analysis
- Trends in supply, demand and current events that are driving current industry performance
- Expected trends, economic factors and ongoing events that drive the industry's outlook
- Key success factors for businesses to overcome volatility
- How contribution to GDP, industry saturation, innovation, consolidation, and technology and systems influence the industry's life cycle phase.
Products and Markets
Learn about an industry's products and services, markets and trends in international trade.
Analyst insight
Technological change is rapid, with new products coming to market yearly. Internet-enabled devices have become more prominent.
In this chapter
- Products & Services
- Major Markets
Key metrics
- Largest market segment and value in 2023
- Product innovation level
Charts
- Products & services segmentation in 2023
- Major market segmentation in 2023
Detailed analysis
- Trends impacting the recent performance of the industry's various segments
- Innovations in the industry's product or service offering, specialization or delivery method
- Key factors that successful businesses consider in their offerings
- Buying segments and key trends influencing demand for industry products and services
Geographic Breakdown
Discover where business activity is most concentrated in an industry and the factors driving these trends to find opportunities and conduct regional benchmarking.
Analyst insights
The South East offers wholesalers access to commercial customers. The South East is also close to large ports, which can improve supply chain efficiency.
In this chapter (1)
- Business Locations
Charts
- Share of revenue, establishment, wages and employment in each region
- Share of population compared to establishments in each region in 2023
Tables
- Number and share of establishments in each region in 2023
- Number and share of revenue each region accounts for in 2023
- Number and share of wages each region accounts for in 2023
- Number and share of employees in each region in 2023
Detailed analysis
- Geographic spread of the industry across Europe, and trends associated with changes in the business landscape
- Key success factors for businesses to use location to their advantage
Competitive Forces
Get data and insights on what's driving competition in an industry and the challenges industry operators and new entrants may face, with analysis built around Porter's Five Forces framework.
Analyst insights
Wholesale bypass and vertical integration threaten wholesalers. Wholesale byapss and vertical integration can offer companies lower purchase costs and greater reliability in ...
In this chapter (4)
- Concentration
- Barriers to Entry
- Substitutes
- Buyer & Supplier Analysis
Key metrics
- Industry concentration level
- Industry competition level and trend
- Barriers to entry level and trend
- Substitutes level and trend
- Buyer power level and trend
- Supplier power level and trend
Charts
- Market share concentration among the top 4 suppliers from 2018-2023
- Supply chain including upstream supplying industries and downstream buying industries, flow chart
Detailed analysis
- Factors impacting the industry’s level of concentration, such as business distribution, new entrants, or merger and acquisition activity.
- Key success factors for businesses to manage the competitive environment of the industry.
- Challenges that potential industry entrants face such as legal, start-up costs, differentiation, labor/capital intensity and capital expenses.
- Key success factors for potential entrants to overcome barriers to entry.
- Competitive threats from potential substitutes for the industry’s own products and services.
- Key success factors for how successful businesses can compete with substitutes.
- Advantages that buyers have to keep favorable purchasing conditions.
- Advantages that suppliers have to maintain favorable selling conditions.
- Key success factors for how businesses can navigate buyer and supplier power.
Companies
Learn about the performance of the top companies in the industry.
Analyst insights
Samsung Electronics (UK)'s strong brand name protects performance. Samsung will likely benefit from long-term supply contracts, helping to offset lost revenue from struggling...
In this chapter
- Market Share Concentration
- Companies
- Company Spotlights
Charts
- Industry market share by company in 2019 through 2023
- Major companies in the industry, including market share, revenue, profit and profit margin in 2023
- Overview of Samsung Electronics (UK) Ltd's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2017 through 2023
- Overview of Cisco International Ltd's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2017 through 2023
- Overview of Premier Farnell UK Ltd's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2017 through 2023
- Overview of revenue, market share and profit margin trend for one additional company
Detailed analysis
- Description and key data for Samsung Electronics (UK) Ltd, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description and key data for Cisco International Ltd, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description and key data for Premier Farnell UK Ltd, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description, key data and performance trends for one additional company
External Environment
Understand the demographic, economic and regulatory factors that shape how businesses in an industry perform.
Analyst insights
The Electrical Distributors' Association (EDA) aids wholesalers. The EDA provides business support services, publicity and exposure, training, apprenticeship schemes and netw...
In this chapter
- External Drivers
- Regulation & Policy
- Assistance
Key metrics
- Regulation & policy level and trend
- Assistance level and trend
Charts
- Regulation & Policy historical data and forecast (2013-2028)
- Assistance historical data and forecast (2013-2028)
Detailed analysis
- Demographic and macroeconomic factors influencing the industry, including Regulation & Policy and Assistance
- Major types of regulations, regulatory bodies, industry standards or specific regulations impacting requirements for industry operators
- Key governmental and non-governmental groups or policies that may provide some relief for industry operators.
Financial Benchmarks
View average costs for industry operators and compare financial data against an industry's financial benchmarks over time.
Analyst insights
Supply shortages of computer chips push up purchase costs. Wholesalers have taken the hit to their profit margins to remain competitive.
In this chapter
- Cost Structure
- Financial Ratios
- Key Ratios
Key metrics
- Profit margin, and how it compares to the sector-wide margin
- Average wages, and how it compares to the sector-wide average wage
- Largest cost component as a percentage of revenue
- Industry average ratios for days' receivables, industry coverage and debt-to-net-worth ratio
Charts
- Average industry operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2023
- Average sector operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2023
- Investment vs. share of economy
Data tables
- Liquidity Ratios (2017-2021)
- Coverage Ratios (2017-2021)
- Leverage Ratios (2017-2021)
- Operating Ratios (2017-2021)
- Assets (2017-2021)
- Liabilities (2017-2021)
- Cash Flow & Debt Service Ratios (2013-2028)
- Revenue per Employee (2013-2028)
- Revenue per Enterprise (2013-2028)
- Employees per Establishment (2013-2028)
- Employees per Enterprise (2013-2028)
- Average Wage (2013-2028)
- Wages/Revenue (2013-2028)
- Establishments per Enterprise (2013-2028)
- IVA/Revenue (2013-2028)
- Imports/Demand (2013-2028)
- Exports/Revenue (2013-2028)
Detailed analysis
- Trends in the cost component for industry operators and their impact on industry costs and profitability
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Data Tables
Including values and annual change:
- Revenue (2013-2028)
- IVA (2013-2028)
- Establishments (2013-2028)
- Enterprises (2013-2028)
- Employment (2013-2028)
- Exports (2013-2028)
- Imports (2013-2028)
- Wages (2013-2028)
Methodology
How are IBISWorld reports created?
IBISWorld has been a leading provider of trusted industry research for over 50 years to the most successful companies worldwide. With offices in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and China, we are proud to have local teams of analysts that conduct research, data analysis and forecasting to produce data-driven industry reports.
Our analysts start with official, verified and publicly available sources of data to build the most accurate picture of each industry. Analysts then leverage their expertise and knowledge of the local markets to synthesize trends into digestible content for IBISWorld readers. Finally, each report is reviewed by one of IBISWorld’s editors, who provide quality assurance to ensure accuracy and readability.
IBISWorld relies on human-verified data and human-written analysis to compile each standard industry report. We do not use generative AI tools to write insights, although members can choose to leverage AI-based tools within the platform to generate additional analysis formats.
What data sources do IBISWorld analysts use?
Each industry report incorporates data and research from government databases, industry-specific sources, industry contacts, and our own proprietary database of statistics and analysis to provide balanced, independent and accurate insights.
Key data sources in the UK include:
- Office for National Statistics
- Office for Budget Responsibility
- Bank of England
Analysts also use industry specific sources to complement catch-all sources, although their perspective may focus on a particular organization or representative body, rather than a clear overview of all industry operations. However, when balanced against other perspectives, industry-specific sources provide insights into industry trends.
These sources include:
- Industry and trade associations
- Industry federations or regulators
- Major industry players annual or quarterly filings
Finally, IBISWorld’s global data scientists maintain a proprietary database of macroeconomic and demand drivers, which our analysts use to help inform industry data and trends. They also maintain a database of statistics and analysis on thousands of industries, which has been built over our more than 50-year history and offers comprehensive insights into long-term trends.
How does IBISWorld forecast its data?
IBISWorld’s analysts and data scientists use the sources above to create forecasts for our proprietary datasets and industry statistics. Depending on the dataset, they may use regression analysis, multivariate analysis, time-series analysis or exponential smoothing techniques to project future data for the industry or driver. Additionally, analysts will leverage their local knowledge of industry operating and regulatory conditions to impart their best judgment on the forecast model.
IBISWorld prides itself on being a trusted, independent source of data, with over 50 years of experience building and maintaining rich datasets and forecasting tools. We are proud to be the keystone source of industry information for thousands of companies across the world.
Learn more about our methodology and data sourcing on the Help Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unlock comprehensive answers and precise data upon purchase. View purchase options.
What is the market size of the Electronic & Telecommunications Equipment Wholesaling in the UK industry in United Kingdom in 2024?
The market size of the Electronic & Telecommunications Equipment Wholesaling in the UK industry in United Kingdom is £16.7bn in 2024.
How many businesses are there in the Electronic & Telecommunications Equipment Wholesaling in the UK industry in 2023?
There are 2,793 businesses in the Electronic & Telecommunications Equipment Wholesaling in the UK industry in United Kingdom, which has declined at a CAGR of 1.4 % between 2018 and 2023.
Has the Electronic & Telecommunications Equipment Wholesaling in the UK industry in United Kingdom grown or declined over the past 5 years?
The market size of the Electronic & Telecommunications Equipment Wholesaling in the UK industry in United Kingdom has been declining at a CAGR of 2.5 % between 2018 and 2023.
What is the forecast growth of the Electronic & Telecommunications Equipment Wholesaling in the UK industry in United Kingdom over the next 5 years?
Over the next five years, the Electronic & Telecommunications Equipment Wholesaling in the UK industry in United Kingdom is expected to grow.
What are the biggest companies in the Electronic & Telecommunications Equipment Wholesaling in the UK market in United Kingdom?
The biggest companies operating in the Electronic & Telecommunications Equipment Wholesaling market in United Kingdom are Samsung Electronics (UK) Ltd, Cisco International Ltd and Premier Farnell UK Ltd
What does the Electronic & Telecommunications Equipment Wholesaling in the UK in United Kingdom include?
Telecommunications equipment and Electronic components are part of the Electronic & Telecommunications Equipment Wholesaling in the UK industry.
Which companies have the highest market share in the Electronic & Telecommunications Equipment Wholesaling in the UK in United Kingdom?
The company holding the most market share in United Kingdom is Samsung Electronics (UK) Ltd.
How competitive is the Electronic & Telecommunications Equipment Wholesaling in the UK industry in United Kingdom?
The level of competition is high and increasing in the Electronic & Telecommunications Equipment Wholesaling in the UK industry in United Kingdom.
