- 52% of medium-sized owners and 49% of large business owners feel optimistic about the economy versus just 19% of the UK population overall.
- Almost 9 in 10 (89%) of medium-size business owners (those with 50–249 employees) report they are financially better off than 12 months ago.
- Seven out of 10 (73%) expect their finances to improve in 2026 (three times higher than the national average).
UK business owners are feeling “hopeful” about the economic outlook ahead of the budget statement on the 26th of November, marking a stark contrast to the wider public mood, according to a new study from market research agency Research Clever.
A nationally representative survey of 2,113 adults found that 52% of medium-sized business owners (50–249 employees) and 49% of large business owners (250+ employees) feel optimistic about the UK economy. This compares with around 2 in 10 (19%) of the general public. The findings indicate a widening “optimism gap” between employers and households as the UK endures the cost-of-living crisis.
Businesses report a strong year and confidence heading into 2026
Medium-sized business owners have seen a particularly sharp rebound:
- 89% say they are financially better off than 12 months ago.
- 73% expect their finances to improve further in 2026 (nearly three times the national average of 25%).
- Only 58% have reduced spending this year, compared with 71% of the public.
Business owners more likely to support NHS dedicated tax rise
Support for targeted tax rises to shore up public services is also higher among business owners than among the general population. A 1p income tax rise to fund the NHS is backed by 68% of small, 62% of medium-sized, and 69% of large business owners, versus 49% of the public.
A growing confidence divide
While business owners are entering the Budget period on stronger footing, the public remains financially strained:
- Just 19% of adults feel positive about the economy.
- Only a quarter (25%) expect their finances to improve next year.
- Spending cutbacks remain widespread across households.
This contrast points to a developing divide in financial resilience across the UK, one that could shape both economic policy and consumer demand in early 2026.
Commenting on the findings, Ross Cafferkey, CEO and founder of Research Clever, said: “These figures show a business community starting to regain momentum while many households remain stuck in survival mode. Medium-sized firms, in particular, are emerging from a tough period with renewed confidence and a willingness to invest, whereas public optimism has barely lifted. It’s a clear signal to policymakers: confidence is returning at the commercial level, but unless the Budget addresses persistent pressure on households, the recovery won’t feel evenly shared.”
