"Nearly half of firms (48%) expected turnover to grow over the next 12 months in the first quarter of the year, up from 42% in the final quarter of 2025."
"The proportion of businesses reporting rising energy costs fell to 56%, down from 61% in the previous quarter, offering some respite to firms grappling with tight margins."
"Around 29% of London firms said they expected the UK economy to improve over the next 12 months, a rise of six percentage points on the previous quarter."
"70% of firms reported difficulties finding suitable candidates-up from 63% previously-highlighting persistent labour market tightness."
In early 2026, London business confidence showed tentative recovery, with 48% of firms expecting turnover growth, up from 42%. Easing cost pressures contributed to this rebound, as the percentage of businesses reporting rising energy costs decreased. However, the outbreak of war in Iran has introduced new volatility in global energy markets, threatening this progress. Optimism about the UK economy improved, with 29% of firms expecting growth. Recruitment conditions remained unchanged, with 70% of firms facing difficulties in finding suitable candidates, indicating ongoing labor market tightness.
Read at London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
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