How to improve UK business confidence

“Our data shows more clouds have gathered over business confidence, and the outlook for SMEs in 2026 is unsettled.” “Firms tell us they are worried about tax, struggling to invest and fear they’ll have to put their prices up in the months ahead.”

David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce

The latest Quarterly Economic Survey from the British Chambers of Commerce has some sobering outputs for UK business owners. Business confidence is low, with many companies worried about tax, costs, pricing and the future outlook for 2026.

Here are just three of the key takeaways from the survey:

• Less than half of responding firms (46%) are expecting increased turnover over the next 12 months (compared with 48% in Q3)
• Nearly a quarter (24%) expect a decrease in their turnover (21% in Q3).
• Only 19% have increased investment and 27% have scaled back their plans.

It’s time to review your strategy and financial plans

With trading already challenging, it’s easy to see UK small businesses struggling to invest and feeling forced to raise prices as we start a new year.

But you don’t have to be part of that statistic. With the right strategic outlook and financial planning, you can see the foundations for a more affluent 2026 – a year where we hope we’ll see the clouds of uncertainty disperse and stronger business confidence returning.