Inter-Departmental Business Register (IDBR)

The Inter-Departmental Business Register (IDBR) is at the heart of business survey design and estimation.

It covers businesses in all parts of the economy, except some very small businesses (self-employed, those without employees and low turnover) and some non-profit making organisations.

With 2.1 million businesses listed, the IDBR provides nearly 99 per cent coverage of UK economic activity.

This comprehensive list of UK businesses is used by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and other government departments as the sampling frame for most business surveys.

The IDBR holds valuable information for the estimation and analysis of business activity.

The IDBR is based on inputs from three administrative sources: traders registered for Value Added Tax (VAT) purposes with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) (Customs), employers operating a Pay As You Earn (PAYE) scheme - registered with HMRC (Revenue) and incorporated businesses registered at Companies House.

The Business Register Survey among others, supplement these administrative sources, identifying and maintaining the business structures necessary to produce detailed industry and small area statistics.