We recently asked our business customers a simple but important question:

“How confident do you feel about the outlook for your business in the year ahead?”

The responses told an encouraging story:

• 51% said they feel the same as last year
• 40% said they feel more confident
• Only 1% reported feeling less confident

Why this is encouraging

In a business environment where cashflow pressures, rising costs, and skill shortages continue to challenge companies of all sizes, these results stand out as a sign of resilience.

• The fact that half of businesses feel steady suggests that, despite headwinds, many are maintaining stability.
• Even more positive is that 4 in 10 businesses feel more confident — a clear signal that investment, growth opportunities, or better planning are giving them optimism.
• And with only 1% feeling less confident, it shows that businesses are finding ways to adapt, even in tougher conditions.

A positive step in the wider market

It isn’t just our customers who are showing signs of confidence. The Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) recently reported that total asset finance business in July 2025 was 3% higher than in the same month in 2024.

This is another positive indicator that, even in a challenging economic climate, businesses are continuing to invest in equipment, vehicles, and technology using finance as a tool to fuel growth.

The role of finance in building confidence

Business confidence isn’t just about optimism — it often comes from being prepared and supported. Finance solutions can play a crucial role in helping business owners:

• Smooth out cashflow pressures and keep operations running seamlessly
• Manage rising costs by spreading out payments or unlocking capital to invest in efficiencies
• Overcome skills challenges by funding training, recruitment, or new technology

We believe the right funding, at the right time, can transform a challenge into an opportunity and give business leaders the confidence to make bold decisions for the year ahead.

Looking forward

With the asset finance sector showing growth and businesses telling us they feel confident about the year ahead, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic. And now, as we move firmly into the last quarter of the year, we hope to see this momentum continue with even more growth in the sector and confidence building across UK businesses.