HLB Survey of Business Leaders 2026 Results

UK Businesses Staying Positive in Uncertain Times

Despite the pressures of rising costs, political uncertainty, and constant change, many business leaders are heading into 2026 with some unexpected optimism.

According to the HLB Survey of Business Leaders 2026, 88% of business leaders across the globe are confident their company will grow in the year ahead, at its highest level since 2019. Over half (53%) also expect the global economy to improve.

This confidence isn’t coming from blind hope. It’s rooted in action. The HLB Survey of Business Leaders 2026, highlights how businesses are stepping up: improving how they work, sharpening their focus on customers, and strengthening their ability to weather future challenges. Many are reshaping their business models entirely to stay competitive, and the most successful ones are investing more than ever in keeping customer data safe and adapting how they plan.

Pete Wilmer, Managing Partner at Hawsons, said:

"There’s a real sense of determination among the businesses we support. They’re not chasing trends, they’re focused on what matters: looking after their people, staying close to customers, and making solid decisions for long-term success."

The report also reveals:

• 76% of top-performing businesses are increasing investment to protect customer data
• 55% of all businesses globally plan to bring in new technology this year
• 35% say digital and AI capabilities are an organisational weakness

View the HLB Survey of Business Leaders 2026 report

As one of the UK’s longest-standing independent accountancy firms, Hawsons is proud to be a member of HLB International – a global network of advisory and accountancy firms with 51,948 professionals across 155 countries. We are proud to have taken part in receiving responses for the UK results of the HLB Survey of Business Leaders.

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