Exam code:7131
The main demographic factors
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Demographics means the number of people and the mix of ages, genders, backgrounds and locations
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In mid-2023, the UK had almost 68m residents
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Almost one in five were aged 65+
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One UK adult in six has an ethnic-minority background
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Two-thirds of people live in urban areas
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Demographic trends in the UK
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An ageing population
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Over-65s will make up more than 20% of the population by 2028
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The grey pound is increasingly important to the UK economy
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Care-home beds, stair-lifts and “silver” holidays (e.g. Saga cruises) have all experienced demand growth
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Forecast UK population pyramid in 2028

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Slow birth rate
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UK births fell below 600,000 in 2023, the lowest on record
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In recent years, leading brands such as Mothercare, Mamas and Papas and Early Learning Centre have disappeared from UK high streets
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Net inward migration
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Net migration was around 700,000 in the year to June 2024
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More UK residents has increased demand for rental housing, language classes and budget retail chains such as B&M
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Greater ethnic diversity
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Asian communities are the fastest-growing group, making up 9.3% of the UK population
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This can create demand for products such as bubble-tea bars, K-beauty skincare and Diwali gift ranges
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Urban concentration
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95% of the population in England and Wales live in cities, towns and large villages
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Demand has soared for rapid grocery apps and grab-and-go meal offerings, such as Pret a Mangers’s 10-minute delivery
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How demographic factors affect costs and demand
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Demographic change alters who buys and what it costs to serve them
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Businesses track age, birth rates, diversity, migration and urbanisation alongside economic data
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Demographic factors and costs
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Changes in demographic factors can have a significant impact on business costs
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Factor |
Explanation |
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Not enough workers in some sectors |
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High city rents |
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Design changes for older customers |
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Communicating with diverse audiences |
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City delivery costs |
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Demographic factors and demand
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Changes in the structure of the population impacts the products customers demand
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Factor |
Explanation |
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More people aged 85+ |
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Fewer babies being born |
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A more diverse population |
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Most people live in towns and cities |
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High net migration |
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Responses