UK SMEs Look Ahead to 2026 with Growing Confidence
Our latest SME survey provides valuable insight into how business leaders are feeling as they look ahead to 2026 and the results point to a resilient, forward-looking SME community with a clear appetite for growth and investment.
Optimism for Growth Remains Strong
Despite ongoing economic and political uncertainty, the survey shows that confidence among UK SMEs remains robust. 3 in 4 businesses told us they are optimistic about their own business prospects over the next 12–18 months, even if they remain cautious about the wider economic environment.
This confidence reflects the adaptability and resilience we see across the SME sector. Businesses are increasingly focused on what they can control, be that strengthening balance sheets, diversifying revenues, or positioning themselves to take advantage of opportunities as market conditions improve.
Growth Plans Turning into Action
Our survey highlights that optimism is translating into clear growth ambitions. SMEs told us they are planning to:
- Invest in new products, services, and markets
- Increase operational capacity
- Improve efficiency through technology and innovation
- Strengthen teams and leadership capability
A Strong Appetite for Funding
A key theme emerging from the survey is the continued appetite for external funding. As SMEs plan for growth in 2026, access to the right finance at the right time remains critical.
Many respondents expect to seek funding to support:
- Expansion and scaling plans
- Working capital requirements
- Strategic acquisitions
- Investment in systems, technology, and infrastructure
Challenges Remain
While sentiment is positive, SMEs are realistic about the challenges ahead. Our survey shows ongoing concerns around:
- Macroeconomic uncertainty and cost pressures
- Interest rates and affordability of borrowing
- Policy clarity and the broader business environment
However, what stands out is that confidence in individual business performance remains significantly stronger than confidence in the wider economy. SMEs are choosing to focus on resilience, opportunity, and long-term planning as they look towards 2026.
Looking Ahead
These findings reinforce what we see across our client base: UK SMEs are ambitious, adaptable, and ready to invest in growth. Optimism for 2026 is underpinned by a clear desire to access funding that supports sustainable expansion and long-term success.
At ThinCats, we remain committed to providing tailored funding solutions that enable SMEs to turn ambition into reality and supporting the next phase of growth for businesses across the UK.