"The quarterly index rose to 96.8 in Q1 2026, up from 93.6 in Q4 2025, marking a modest but meaningful improvement in sentiment among business leaders."
"Nearly nine in ten (87.5%) expect sales revenues to rise over the next 12 months, while 50% anticipate increased profitability."
"Over the next year, 56.25% of SMEs plan to grow their teams, building on a year in which 62.5% already expanded their workforce."
"37.5% of leaders expect roles to become more tech-enabled as AI tools are integrated, signalling a strategic push to develop digitally capable teams."
The Vistage CEO Confidence Index indicates a rise in optimism among SMEs in the UK and Ireland, with a score of 96.8 in Q1 2026. Despite broader economic uncertainty, 87.5% of SMEs expect sales revenues to increase, and 50% anticipate higher profitability. Investment plans are focused on growth, with half of SMEs planning to increase fixed expenditures. Workforce expansion is also a priority, with 56.25% planning to grow their teams. AI integration is expected to enhance roles, although AI skills are not yet a formal requirement for most positions.
Read at London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
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