(Image: Supplied)
More than two-thirds of UK businesses with annual turnover above
£3 million expect to increase their workforce over the next year, according to new research from HSBC UK.
The survey of 1,029 business leaders found that 68% of firms plan to recruit more staff, with the most common expected increase between 6% and 15%.
The findings also point to growing use of external finance, with 56% of businesses taking on new borrowing or credit lines in the past year — double the proportion recorded in 2025.
Among firms planning to grow over the next 12 months, 87% said they were confident of meeting their targets, up from 80% last year. Just over half of respondents were optimistic about the UK economy over the next one to two years.
Businesses identified investment in digital technology, research and development, new product launches and expansion into new markets as the main planned uses of finance.
However, cost control remains a priority, with 82% of respondents focused on reducing costs and 79% concentrating on cashflow and liquidity management.
Ambitions are even greater among businesses targeting growth of more than 20%. Of these firms, 84% expect to increase headcount, with 55% anticipating workforce growth of between 20% and 50%.
More than half of high-growth businesses plan to invest in upskilling and training existing employees, while 49% expect to recruit specialist staff.
The research also found that 71% of firms targeting growth above 20% had taken on new borrowing or credit lines in the past year, while 93% said they were comfortable borrowing to support their ambitions.
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James Cundy, head of mid-market corporates at HSBC UK, said: "Our research shows that for many UK businesses investing for growth remains a top priority.
"More than two-thirds expect to increase headcount, while borrowing is helping firms fund technology, new products and expansion.
"Cost pressures and uncertainty has not disappeared, but ambitious businesses are moving ahead regardless.
"For HSBC UK, this means continuing to back viable growth plans with the finance, sector expertise and timely decisions businesses need.
"Through our AI & Productivity Financing Initiative, eligible businesses can access funding on commercial terms to invest in technology, skills, systems and other future-ready capabilities they need to enhance productivity and support long-term growth."