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Table 7.5 shows the number of VAT and/or PAYE registered businesses classified under forestry and primary wood processing. The headings shown potentially include businesses not traditionally regarded as forestry or primary wood processing, and some businesses traditionally included in forestry and primary wood processing are excluded as they are classified to other headings of the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC).

A total of 4,050 forestry businesses, 550 sawmilling businesses, 125 wood-based panel businesses and 225 pulp & paper businesses were registered for VAT and/or PAYE purposes in the UK in 2016.

There has been an overall increase in forestry businesses over the last ten years, whilst sawmilling and pulp and paper businesses have declined.

Table 7.5 Number1 of VAT and/or PAYE registered businesses by Standard Industrial Classification (SIC)2, 2007-2016

Year Forestry Sawmilling Panels Pulp & paper
2007 2645 700 115 260
2008 3020 730 140 310
2009 3100 685 130 270
2010 3095 640 135 255
2011 3170 605 135 250
2012 3375 585 135 255
2013 3505 560 130 240
2014 3685 555 130 230
2015 3925 555 125 230
2016 4050 550 125 225

Source: UK Business: Activity, Size and Location (Office for National Statistics, October 2016).

Notes:

1. All figures are rounded by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to the nearest multiple of 5.

2. Categories are based on the UK Standard Industrial Classification (SIC)categories. 2007-2008 data are based on SIC 2003; 2009-2016 data are based on SIC 2007. Given the changes in classifications, the time series may not be fully consistent. Further details on the SIC codes used are provided in the Sources: Employment and businesses page.

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