The cost of running a business has risen significantly in the past decade, reshaping the business landscape across. However, new research suggests that not all industries have been impacted on the same scale, and transport and logistics have been revealed as the second most impacted sector in the UK, with business costs increasing by 53% on average.
To understand which industries have faced the greatest pressure, Dojo have analysed ten core cost categories, including business rates, energy, and industry-relevant supplies, between 2015 and 2025, to create the UK Inflation Index, a sector-by-sector breakdown revealing where operating costs have risen fastest, and how business inflation now compares to consumer inflation.
The analysis shows that on average, UK business costs for SMEs have outpaced consumer price growth by 11.75%, creating an ‘inflation gap’, making profitability harder to maintain in 2026. Analysis from Dojo has discovered that the transport and storage sector is the second most impacted UK sector by inflation over the last decade, with business costs increasing by an average of 53%.
Technology and software costs have increased
This sharp rise in costs is largely driven by the sector’s heavy reliance on technology and software, which have increased by an average of 103% over the past decade. This has been compounded by rising fuel costs, up 90%, and training costs, which have climbed by 92%, further intensifying overall cost pressures.
Dojo’s findings also revealed that transport and vehicle costs have increased by an average of 52% across all industries analysed, highlighting that these cost pressures extend beyond a single sector. What can business owners do to combat inflation?
Charlie Ashworth, Head of Research & Insights at Dojo, says:
“While operating costs have risen significantly over the past decade, with the right insight into their cost structure, businesses can be better equipped to respond to these pressures. For business owners, the opportunity lies in control and efficiency. With labour, energy, insurance and technology costs all contributing to long-term structural change, understanding where your exposure sits is now a strategic advantage. Reviewing supplier contracts, improving operational efficiency, reducing unnecessary overheads, and optimising payment systems can all help protect margins in a higher-cost environment.”
“With increases of this scale, businesses must take a more strategic approach to operations and managing their supplies. Understanding the supply chain is critical, and business owners should really look into how much they pay per item and whether there are more competitive suppliers available without compromising quality. Another option is to investigate how usage can be reduced, or processes improved to minimise waste. In times of sustained inflation, careful supply management can make a meaningful difference to overall profitability.”
“Businesses that regularly assess their operating model, adapt pricing strategies where possible, and invest in tools that streamline transactions and reduce friction are often better positioned to absorb cost pressures without compromising service or growth. The past decade shows that the cost of running a business has evolved. The next decade will reward those who evolve with it.”
