In the shadow of the Middle East conflict UK businesses leaders are far more optimistic than their international peers according to new research.

Professional services network, Forvis Mazars has reported that UK business leaders are entering 2026 with a level of optimism that surpasses that of their global peers.

The company has released its latest C-suite barometer, which questioned more than 500 UK executives. The study revealed nearly unanimous optimism for the year ahead, even as economic uncertainty and competitive pressures continue to shape the business landscape.

The research showed that 96% of UK executives expect a positive business environment for 2026, a four-point increase on last year, while 90% report growing revenues. This marks the third consecutive year of exceptionally strong confidence, with UK organisations consistently outperforming global benchmarks. Although economic uncertainty and increased competition remain the top constraints on growth, UK leaders continue to demonstrate resilience and adaptability.

Asam Malik, partner and executive board member at Forvis Mazars, said: “Our latest C-suite Barometer shows UK leaders entering 2026 with encouraging optimism for growth prospects in the year ahead. Despite economic uncertainty and the pace of global change, businesses have adapted quickly – adjusting pricing, reconfiguring supply chains and reshaping international plans, all while accelerating technology-driven transformation.

“Much of this confidence comes from experience: UK organisations have weathered years of disruption, from the pandemic to Brexit, and emerged more agile and resilient. As AI moves from hype to implementation, leaders see both opportunity and responsibility ahead and the companies that invest in resilience, governance and the right digital foundations will be best placed to thrive in an unpredictable world.”

The 2026 barometer found technology-driven transformation continues to play a central role in UK business strategy, with 51% of those surveyed stating that transforming company IT/technology is their top priority. AI is the top investment priority for tech initiatives, with UK organisations significantly ahead of global peers in developing and implementing transformation programmes. Over 85% now have technology transformation strategies in place, 11 points higher than the global average and a six-point increase on 2025. ‑driven transformation continues to play a central role in UK business strategy.

“AI’s influence is already reshaping organisational structures, with seven in ten UK leaders reporting that AI is impacting their business and almost nine in ten companies reporting that they have already restructured teams to support adoption,” the report added. “While some roles have been replaced, AI is creating more new positions than it displaces, driving further demand for digital and data-driven skillsets.”

Despite ongoing shifts in global tariff regimes, the report found UK businesses remain confident in their ability to navigate trade-related pressures. More than 90% of UK leaders report confidence in managing tariff-driven cost challenges, placing the UK ahead of global peers.

It added UK organisations are also more proactive in adjusting their pricing and operational models. 45% have increased prices in response to tariff changes, compared with 36% globally. Many are redesigning supply chains, entering new markets or identifying new efficiencies to offset rising costs.

International expansion continues to feature prominently in UK growth plans – with 60% adding extra target countries. Leaders remain committed to pursuing overseas opportunities despite regulatory complexity and geopolitical pressures.

“Ensuring compliance with local regulations, tax rules and legislative frameworks remains the biggest challenge for UK organisations expanding abroad,” Forvis-Mazars added. “Tariff-related costs and operational complexity follow closely, prompting many companies to strengthen their digital infrastructure and operational resilience to support global activity.‑related costs and operational complexity follow closely, prompting many companies to strengthen their digital infrastructure and operational resilience to support global activity.”

AI is the top investment priority for tech initiatives, with UK organisations significantly ahead of global peers in developing and implementing transformation programmes.