In the UK, more businesses in the entertainment sector have been moving away from physical models and instead choosing to operate online.
This change is no longer limited to just media companies. It has now extended into related areas like events, retail, and digital gaming.
Many firms have realised that online platforms help them offer more flexible services at a lower cost.
As a result, business strategies are being updated to match how people now spend their time and money.
Online entertainment expands as audience habits change
Across the UK, people are changing how they spend their money on entertainment. More viewers now stay at home to watch films, concerts, and shows online instead of attending live events. The reasons are clear: streaming services are easier to access, cheaper overall, and available at any time.
A night out at the cinema or a concert has become far more expensive, with ticket prices and travel costs discouraging many. Online access removes those limits and gives people far more choice without leaving home. The same pattern is visible in gaming, which has quickly become one of the strongest online markets in entertainment.
Players now prefer digital access that allows them to take part whenever they choose. Within this shift, casino businesses have seen the most dramatic change. Many of them are now focusing entirely on online platforms, replacing their physical venues with digital ones. This move allows them to offer more games, flexible play options, and wider betting ranges.
The lower running costs and the ability to reach users anywhere in the country make online platforms far more practical. What once depended on visits to a physical venue is now being replaced by a model built around constant, accessible online interaction.
Online models are shaping retail and brand strategy
Along with media and entertainment, UK retail has also seen a major shift toward online services. E-commerce in the UK was valued at £233 billion in 2023, showing a growth of 14.7%. This growth highlights how digital channels are now a key part of business plans, even for brands that used to rely on physical shops.
The use of third-party marketplaces has made it easier for smaller firms to connect with buyers across the country and beyond. UK brands now often use an average of four different marketplaces to reach customers. Three in four online shoppers say they use more than one platform when buying. As of 2025, 74.6% of people in the UK regularly shop on platforms such as Amazon, while 34.9% use second-hand sites like eBay.
By being on multiple platforms, businesses increase their visibility and reduce storage and logistics costs through dropshipping and digital delivery. Even during periods of economic uncertainty, online models help brands adjust. They can change pricing, update inventory, and test new products quickly.
Business banking and financial tools are also shifting online
It’s not only entertainment and retail moving online; business finance in the UK is undergoing similar changes. A survey from NerdWallet UK showed that 70% of business leaders in 2025 would consider using a bank with no physical branches. That’s up from 66% in 2024.
Digital banking is also seen as more convenient: 43% of business leaders said digital banks are easier to use in 2025, nearly double the 22% from the previous year. The most common reasons for choosing online banks include better digital services, a stronger understanding of small business needs, and more competitive pricing.
Around 33% of business leaders believe digital banks understand modern business demands better than traditional banks. Meanwhile, only 30% said they still trust traditional providers more, a number that has dropped from 32% in 2024.
Nearly half (45%) now trust both online-only and traditional banks equally. Many well-known online names like Monzo, Revolut, and Tide are gaining ground as business users become more confident in their services. As of 2025, 31% of UK business leaders believe challenger banks are just as reliable as older institutions like Lloyds or Barclays.
What this means for UK-based providers
As more consumers and businesses go online, service providers must continue adjusting their models. In 2025, more business leaders believe that switching incentives from digital banks are strong enough to make them consider online-only services. Nearly a quarter of business leaders (24%) said these offers influenced their choice.
Digital banks and service platforms are now seen as better suited for modern needs. 33% of respondents believe digital providers are more aware of what businesses need in 2025. On the other hand, traditional banks are seen as less prepared for these changes.
The same logic applies across entertainment and retail. Consumers expect smoother services, mobile access, and fast updates. Brands that do not offer these, risk losing out. Companies now plan around digital access and reduce their focus on physical delivery. These changes are not temporary.
Based on the latest data, online services will likely continue to grow, and businesses will need to stay ready to meet that demand.
