United Kingdom B2B eCommerce Market

Market Overview

The United Kingdom B2B eCommerce market size was valued at USD 371 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 2,364 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 22.9% during the forecast period (2022-2030).

Highlights

• The FMCG segment dominates the market by supply category.
•  The retail and distribution segment dominates the market by end-user.

Business-to-business e-commerce, or B2B E-commerce, is the buying and selling of products and services between companies over the Internet. It refers to exchanging products and services between companies through electronic means. Wholesalers, manufacturers, distributors, and other B2B sellers can save time and money by processing orders online. Companies offering both traditional storefronts and online marketplaces are included here.

The transitional change in B2B e-commerce purchasing behavior is crucial to propelling the market. Other reasons expected to contribute to the market's expansion over the next few years include the increasing popularity of business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce and the adoption of B2B models by major e-commerce players. On the other hand, the market's restricted visibility is seen as a potential obstacle. However, during the predicted period, the market will benefit from integrating value-added services from B2B e-commerce and B2B platforms.

Market Dynamics

The U.K. B2B eCommerce Market Drivers

Adoption of B2B Business Model by B2C E-Commerce Giants

Amazon, Alibaba, e-Bay, and other consumer-focused online marketplaces have expanded into B2B e-commerce because of its benefits and possibilities. Since business customers typically buy in bulk, B2B purchases are more lucrative. Customers and sellers of business-to-business transactions tend to develop close bonds due to the greater frequency of transactions. B2C behemoths have started doing business with B2B organizations because they saw the possibility of these openings. These behemoths have the financial backing and reputation for building even larger client bases and operational frameworks. Trust from consumers' previous experiences making B2C transactions on these sites fuels the expansion of B2B marketplaces.

The U.K. B2B eCommerce Market Restraints

Limited Market Presence

Compared to B2C e-commerce, the B2B sector is much more limited. Due to customers' propensity for impulse purchases and exceptional consuming patterns, business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce enjoys a large customer base. In contrast, business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce serves a relative niche market. Younger generations tend to prefer business-to-business online transactions. However, many corporate purchasers need to learn what they're missing out on by not using B2B platforms. Baby boomers and members of Generation X in emerging markets are stubbornly devoted to tried-and-true commercial purchasing practices because they consider these more reliable and trustworthy. Several regions' populations are acquainted with business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce sites because of their prevalence, but the B2B marketplace is still largely uncharted.

The U.K. B2B eCommerce Market Opportunities

Increase in Digitalization across the B2B e-commerce

Integration of order fulfillment software has helped B2B E-commerce businesses improve their awareness of order fulfillment operations, including the status of order confirmations, on-time delivery performance, and other aspects of order management, as digital technologies have become more widely used.

Even when working with numerous partners, such as logistics providers, forwarders, and express companies, modern technology allows businesses and their customers to monitor order delivery from beginning to finish. To boost client satisfaction and loyalty, B2B e-commerce firms are increasingly adopting such technologies to automate the entire supply chain.

Segmental Analysis

The United Kingdom B2B eCommerce market is segmented based on the category of supply and end-user. 

Based on the supply category, the market is segmented into Office Supplies, FMCG, IT Products, Industrial and MRO, and Janitorial and Sanitation.

The FMCG segment dominated the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 22.5% during the forecast period.

Based on End-User, the market is segmented into agribusiness, automotive, construction, information technology, telecom and media, transportation and logistics, retail and distribution, and others.

The retail and distribution segment dominated the market and is expected to register a CAGR of 23.5% over the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

The United Kingdom is a significant revenue contributor and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 22.9% during the forecast period. In recent decades, e-commerce has gained prominence as consumers shift their spending to online outlets. On the supply side, the investment of Internet-focused businesses and sellers whose companies were founded on supplying customers through physical channels has expanded selection to domestic and international markets. While traditional retail sales have remained stagnant, regional Internet sales have increased dramatically.

The expansion of online retailing bolsters the pursuit of value for money. Consumers continue to search online for the best prices and offers, increasing the proportion of money spent online. Fashion, health and beauty, consumer electronics, home and garden, and travel services are increasingly sought after via the internet.

Nearly all online businesses in the United Kingdom accept credit and debit card payments. Visa and MasterCard are accepted more frequently than American Express, Diners Club, and JCB. Several websites utilize PayPal or comparable services.

Recent Developments

• July 2022- Forerunner Ventures, Salesforce Ventures, Hubspot Ventures, Lyra Ventures, and Gramercy Ventures contributed to Balance's USD 56 million Series B Funding announcement.
• July 2022- Golf Genius's Golf Shop fully integrated with RepSpark's B2B wholesale commerce infrastructure. With this integration, golf store owners can speed up the ordering process, reduce mistakes, and better serve their customers.