The Lilac Review final report calls for bold action to empower disabled entrepreneurs

The Lilac Review has published its final report, with a call for bold and urgent action to empower millions of Disabled entrepreneurs across the country, combat inequality and drive business revenue growth.

Following an intensive inquiry over two years, The Lilac Review has concluded that significant financial, operational, and accessibility barriers are holding back the nation's Disabled-led businesses.

The final report issues over 20 recommendations for central and local government, financial institutions, and business support organisations to build a more inclusive economy. This includes targeted financial support, enhanced accessibility, and inclusive support networks and procurement, alongside efforts to boost fairer trade and unlock the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation.

Disabled entrepreneurs represent 25% of the UK's 5.45 million small businesses, but just 8.6% of business turnover The Lilac Review – launched in February 2024 to raise opportunity for Disabled founders – estimates that removing these obstacles could unlock £230 billion in additional UK business revenue.

The Lilac Review's final report outlines bold and practical recommendations across a number of areas, including inclusive finance, social capital and mentoring, AI, Government and private procurement, and localised and accessible business support.

Gareth Thomas, Minister for Small Businesses and Co-chair of The Lilac Review, said:
"I'm proud to have co-chaired The Lilac Review and welcome its valuable insights and recommendations to help empower disabled entrepreneurship, tackle inequality, and unlock growth opportunities.

"Through our Plan for Change, this government is committed to delivering further and faster economic growth. A key part of this is ensuring that those with the ambition to start and scale up a business have the right support to do so, no matter their background or circumstances."

Victoria Jenkins, Co-Chair of The Lilac Review and Founder of Unhidden, said:
"Disabled entrepreneurs are innovative, impactful, and growing. Yet we remain underrepresented, underfunded, and underestimated. The Lilac Review is a bold and necessary step toward recognising the unique challenges that Disabled entrepreneurs face— and more importantly, toward removing them. The findings of this report are clear: change is needed—not later, but now. That means inclusive finance, accessible business support, and communities that empower rather than exclude. It has been an honour to co-chair this review, and I hope the voices within it spark action, partnership, and a fundamental rethinking of what opportunity should look like—for everyone."