More than two-thirds of larger UK businesses expect to increase their staffing levels, while the share taking on new borrowing has doubled in a year, according to HSBC UK research.
The survey of 1,029 financial decision-makers found that 68% of businesses with annual turnover above £3 million plan to grow their workforces. Among those expecting to recruit, increases of 6% to 15% were the most common expectation.
Borrowing has also become more widespread. Some 56% of respondents said they had taken on new borrowing or credit lines in the previous 12 months, compared with 28% in HSBC’s 2025 study.
Investment comes with caution
Businesses said finance would help fund digital technology, research and development, new products and expansion into additional markets. The strongest growth-focused companies were especially willing to invest: 84% expected to increase headcount, while 56% highlighted upskilling and training.
That optimism is being balanced with tight financial management. Cost reduction was a priority for 82% of respondents, while 79% were focused on cashflow and liquidity. Among firms targeting growth of more than 20%, 71% had taken on new borrowing and 93% said they were comfortable borrowing to support expansion.
The findings describe business expectations rather than guaranteed outcomes. Still, 87% of companies planning to grow said they were confident of achieving it, up from 80% in 2025.
Why it matters for Britain
If these plans translate into action, they could support new jobs, workplace training and investment in productivity-enhancing technology across the UK. The research also highlights the need for firms to balance expansion with manageable borrowing and healthy cashflow.
