Careers in Business, Finance and Retail: What to Expect and How to Start
- Career blog
- Jul 30
- 6 min read
Updated: Nov 25
Thinking about a career in Business, Finance or Retail? These sectors are at the heart of the UK economy – offering opportunities for problem-solvers, innovators, and people who enjoy working with others.
From managing finances and leading teams to understanding markets and improving customer experience, there’s a role for everyone in these diverse and fast-moving industries.
In this guide, we’ll explore what careers in Business, Finance and Retail involve, the skills employers are looking for, average salaries, and how to get started with work experience and training through Futures For All.
What Are Business, Finance and Retail Careers?
Together, Business, Finance and Retail make up one of the UK’s largest employment sectors. These industries are essential to how the economy runs – from global corporations and high-street brands to local enterprises and online businesses.
Roles range from customer-facing positions to behind-the-scenes operations in finance, logistics, marketing, and management.
If you’re analytical, organised, or enjoy working with people, a career in this sector can offer strong progression, job stability, and excellent transferable skills.
Five Facts About Business, Finance and Retail Careers
Major Employment Scale:
The UK’s business, finance and retail sectors employ over 10 million people combined, making them one of the country’s largest sources of jobs and apprenticeships. Retail alone accounts for around 2.9 million jobs across the UK.
Economic Powerhouse:
The financial services sector contributes £278 billion annually to the UK economy, accounting for approximately 12% of total economic output.
Digital Transformation:
Automation, data analytics, and e-commerce are reshaping business and retail. Roles in digital marketing, fintech, and supply chain management are growing rapidly.
Apprenticeships and Early Entry Routes:
The business and finance sector hosts more apprenticeships than almost any other UK industry, including opportunities in administration, accounting, HR, and sales.
Global Opportunities:
Skills gained in these sectors are highly transferable – meaning experience in UK business, retail, or finance can open doors to international careers and remote work options.
Key Industries and Career Paths in Business, Finance and Retail
The skills you gain in these industries can take you almost anywhere. Here are some of the most common routes to explore:
Business and Management
Careers in this area focus on planning, leadership, and strategy.
Typical roles include project manager, HR officer, business analyst, or consultant.
Strong communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills are key.
Finance and Accounting
From personal banking and investment to auditing and financial planning, this sector is ideal for those who enjoy working with numbers and making decisions based on data.
Common roles include financial analyst, accountant, payroll administrator, or tax advisor.
Attention to detail and integrity are essential.
Retail and Customer Service
Retail is about much more than selling – it’s about creating positive customer experiences.
Opportunities include store management, visual merchandising, e-commerce, and logistics.
With digital retail growing fast, new roles in online trading and omnichannel sales are emerging.
Supply Chain and Logistics
Behind every successful retailer or business is a well-organised supply chain.
Roles in procurement, stock management, and transport coordination are crucial to keeping products moving efficiently across the UK and beyond.
Marketing and Communications
Every organisation needs people who can communicate its value.
Marketing professionals use creativity and strategy to build relationships with customers through advertising, social media, and digital campaigns.
Hear what the professionals have to say:
Business:
Finance:
Retail:
Discover more career videos here.
What Are the Salary Expectations?
Salaries vary widely depending on role, experience, and location, but this sector offers strong earning potential and opportunities for progression.
Here’s an overview of typical UK annual pay for Business, Finance and Retail roles:
Role | Starting Salary | Experienced Salary |
Accounting Technician | £24,000 | £35,000 |
Bank Manager | £24,000 | £55,000 |
Business Adviser | £24,000 | £54,000 |
Business Project Manager | £29,000 | £75,000 |
Customer Service Assistant | £20,000 | £30,000 |
Financial Advisor | £27,000 | £67,000 |
Insurance Broker | £20,000 | £65,000 |
Mortgage Advisor | £27,000 | £70,000 |
Payroll Administrator | £22,000 | £35,000 |
Sales Assistant | £19,000 | £27,000 |
Stockbroker | £35,000 | £125,000 |
Tax Adviser | £25,000 | £55,000 |
If your dream job isn’t listed over check the National Careers Service to gain a deeper insight.
The Skills You’ll Need for Business, Finance and Retail Careers
Success in these industries depends on a mix of practical, analytical, and people-focused skills.
Core Skills
Communication and teamwork: You’ll work with colleagues, customers, or clients daily. Clear communication builds trust and collaboration.
Numeracy and attention to detail: Particularly important in finance, accounting, and retail stock management.
Organisation and time management: Balancing priorities and meeting deadlines is essential in any business environment.
Customer focus: Understanding client needs is key to driving success in business and retail roles.
Technical and Digital Skills
IT proficiency: Confidence using Excel, CRM software, or financial management systems.
Data analysis: Making decisions based on insights is becoming central to most business roles.
E-commerce and digital marketing: Especially valuable in retail and brand management.
Financial literacy: Understanding budgeting, forecasting, and key performance metrics.
Professional and Employability Skills
Adaptability: The business world changes fast – flexibility keeps you relevant.
Problem-solving: Employers value initiative and solutions-focused thinking.
Ethics and professionalism: Particularly important in finance, where trust and compliance are vital.
Leadership: Even at early stages, showing initiative and responsibility helps you stand out.
Work Experience in Business, Finance and Retail: A Case Study
Workshops and in-person work experience with Equifax
Global data, analytics and technology company, Equifax, worked in close partnership with Futures For All to deliver multiple 2-hour in-school financial education workshops – which focussed on upskilling students on budgeting, scams and debt – and 2-day in-person work experience placements, where students worked with employees and peers at their local Equifax office.
Through this programme, and with the support of 60 volunteer employees, we introduced 620 state-educated young people to careers in finance – with sessions in Nottingham, Leeds and London.
“Our placement raised my awareness of careers, taught me the skills required in the sector, and helped me to decide on what I want to do in the future.” – Student, 16
Educators rated their in-school workshops as 4 out of 5 stars.
86% of 2-day work experience attendees were from ethnic minority backgrounds.
48% of young people attending the placements identified as female.
26% of young people attending were eligible for Free School Meals – above the national average.
How to Start a Career in Business, Finance and Retail
Explore your interests – Do you prefer numbers, people, or problem-solving? Your strengths can guide your next step.
Gain experience – Try part-time retail work, business internships, or finance apprenticeships to build your CV.
Build skills – Online platforms like FutureLearn, Coursera, or LinkedIn Learning offer short courses in Excel, marketing, and leadership.
Network – Connect with professionals through LinkedIn, local careers fairs, and industry events.
Stay informed – Follow business news and insights from trusted outlets like The Financial Times, Marketing Week, or Retail Gazette.
Next Steps
If you’re ready to explore careers in Business, Finance and Retail, check out the latest opportunities via the Futures For All: Work Experience Finder.
Quick Answer to your FAQ
Do I need a degree to work in business or finance?
Not always. While some roles (like accounting or investment analysis) require professional qualifications, many employers value practical experience, apprenticeships, or vocational training equally highly.
Are retail jobs good for building transferable skills?
Absolutely. Retail roles develop communication, teamwork, and customer service skills – all of which are valuable across business and management careers.
What kind of work experience helps most?
Placements in offices, banks, or shops all help. Any role that involves teamwork, communication, or responsibility builds the soft skills employers are looking for.
What are the best entry routes for young people?
Apprenticeships, college courses in business or accounting, and internships are excellent starting points. Many employers, including banks and retailers, offer school-leaver schemes.
Interested in mentoring? Find out more here.
Need access to a library of resources about different sectors? Click here.
Find out more about apprenticeships here.
Discover University pathway here.
This blog is a guide, and careers are constantly changing. Please check the National Careers Service website for the latest information and all the qualifications needed, and the GOV.UK website for more on T-levels. For careers advice in all parts of the UK, visit: National Careers Service (England), nidirect (Northern Ireland), My World of Work (Scotland) and Careers Wales (Wales)
