All about Mii
We used to be a nation of shopkeepers – now we’re becoming a nation of Multi-income individuals (Miis).
Millions of people are seizing the opportunity to earn an extra income to beat the cost of living crisis, pay their bills or pursue a passion.
In 2017, 5 million people in the UK earned a second income. Today, there are over 20 million Miis. This is no passing trend. By 2025, it’s projected there will be more than 25 million Miis in the UK.
Utility Warehouse (UW) commissioned a report by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) that shines a light on the huge contribution Miis make to the economy and to help break down the barriers that prevent more people from earning an extra income.
An expert panel helped launch the Miis report:
Andrew Lindsay MBE, Co-CEO, UW
Andrew joined UW in April 2007 and was appointed to the Board in November 2008.
Jasmine Birtles, personal finance expert
Jasmine is a TV and radio presenter, money expert, speaker and writer.
Owen Good, Head of Economic Advisory, Cebr
Owen joined Cebr in 2019 and leads on their economic impact modelling.
Clare Hingott, UW Partner
Clare has been a UW Partner since 2011. She is a qualified teacher and professional actress.
Why it’s time to celebrate Miis
Miis are helping to drive the UK economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and making a multi-billion pound contribution to the UK.
Behind these numbers are endless inspiring real-life stories of people who sought out a second income so they could learn new skills, be their own boss and improve their lot in life.
Despite this, many Miis think there’s a stigma attached to earning an extra income and are worried that they will be unfairly judged for how they make their money.
We need to overcome these preconceptions and celebrate Miis for their efforts.
Miis at a glance
* Spend by UK Miis utilising secondary income sources
Miis power growth, jobs and opportunity across the UK
In 2022 alone, Miis spent £54.75 billion of their second incomes in UK businesses, delivering a £30.12 billion boost to the nation’s coffers and supporting nearly 365,000 jobs.
Key drivers for Miis are rising bills and inflationary pressures but there are many other reasons as to why people earn an extra income
Almost a quarter of people say the benefit of being a Mii is the opportunity to pursue a passion and make money from a hobby (23.6%).
Just over 15% say it has enabled them to work for themselves and be their own boss and more than one in ten say it has helped them to meet more people.
We need to tackle the stigma that is associated with people earning a second income so more people can benefit from the opportunity of becoming a Mii
Just over a third of Miis (34%) think there is a negative social perception of people who earn an extra income.
Almost a quarter (23%), don’t want to talk about their extra income with family and friends in case they assume they are struggling with money.
Meet the Miis
Trade Union Administrator &
UW Partner
Gym Manager &
Furniture Maker
Teacher &
UW Partner
UW Partners
a Mii in every UK neighbourhood
Almost a quarter of people say the benefit of being a Mii is the opportunity to pursue a passion and make money from a hobby (23.6%), while just over 15% say it enables them to work for themselves and be their own boss and more than one in ten say it has enabled them to meet more people.
