1. Nearly half of UK business owners now more willing to take risk
Main finding: A new survey commissioned by private equity firm ECI Partners shows 47 % of UK business owners and CEOs say they are more willing to take risks in 2026 than a year ago. This is seen as a sign of returning confidence after prolonged economic uncertainty. (ECI Partners – UK private equity firm)
- Compared with last year: Only about 26 % say their risk appetite has decreased, and 27 % report no change. (ECI Partners – UK private equity firm)
- Confidence rises with company size: Around 57 % of businesses with over 500 employees now feel more willing to take risk. (ECI Partners – UK private equity firm)
- Sector differences:
- Tech businesses have the highest risk appetite (≈ 58 %).
- HR companies also relatively optimistic (≈ 57 %).
- Retail firms are less inclined (≈ 31 %) to take more risk. (ECI Partners – UK private equity firm)
2. What this optimism means in practice
Ambitious plans ahead: Many UK businesses aren’t just feeling confident — they’re acting on it:
- International expansion: More than 8 in 10 respondents are considering expanding overseas in 2026, suggesting risk appetite is feeding growth strategy. (ECI Partners – UK private equity firm)
- Private equity interest: Around 57 % are considering private equity investment, with sectors like travel, technology, and retail showing strong interest. (ECI Partners – UK private equity firm)
3. But challenges remain
Even with rising confidence, businesses are cautious:
- Rising costs are still the biggest worry for most businesses. (ECI Partners – UK private equity firm)
- Other common concerns include digital transformation hurdles, AI risks, and regulation/compliance pressures. (ECI Partners – UK private equity firm)
4. Broader business sentiment context
- Some surveys show slightly improved optimism among UK businesses post-Budget, though sentiment is still mixed and cautious. (Reuters)
- Other research highlights risks such as cybersecurity threats and reputational concerns, even as leaders weigh decisions more strategically. (Nardello & Co –)
Summary: What this trend shows
Growing confidence: Almost half of UK business leaders feel more ready to take risks in 2026 — especially larger firms and tech companies. (ECI Partners – UK private equity firm)
Growth focus: This willingness isn’t just talk — many are eyeing international expansion and new funding options. (ECI Partners – UK private equity firm)
Still cautious: Cost pressures and structural risks mean optimism is balanced with careful planning. (ECI Partners – UK private equity firm)
Here are case studies, real comments, and expert insights around the news that nearly half of UK business owners say they’re more willing to take risks in 2026 — plus what leaders are actually saying about it: (ECI Partners – UK private equity firm)
1. What the Data Shows
Survey results (ECI Partners):
- 47 % of UK business owners and CEOs now report higher willingness to take risks than a year ago. (ECI Partners – UK private equity firm)
- Sector breakdown:
- 58 % of tech companies report a higher risk appetite. (ECI Partners – UK private equity firm)
- HR firms are close behind. (ECI Partners – UK private equity firm)
- Only around 31 % of retail firms feel more willing to take risk. (UKTN)
- Larger companies (500+ employees) are more confident than smaller ones. (ECI Partners – UK private equity firm)
This shows a trend of selective risk-taking, particularly in industries that see growth opportunities like tech and HR. (ECI Partners – UK private equity firm)
2. Leaders’ Comments (What Business Owners Are Saying)
From the survey’s sponsor:
- Tom Wrenn (ECI Partners Managing Partner):
“This research is what we like to see as investors — positive sentiment from UK business leaders with a renewed appetite for risk, especially among tech CEOs. What is particularly striking is the number of management teams actively considering private equity as they look to expand internationally and navigate the shifting sands of GenAI.” (ECI Partners – UK private equity firm)
This highlights that leaders are linking risk appetite with growth strategy, particularly around international expansion and emerging technologies rather than reckless risk-taking. (ECI Partners – UK private equity firm)
3. Case Examples / Strategy Shifts
While the survey itself doesn’t detail specific companies, the trends point to real-world strategic decisions being made, including:
International expansion
- Over 80 % of businesses considering expanding overseas as a 2026 growth driver — from UK small firms to large enterprises. (UKTN)
- That shows a willingness to take strategic market risks where firms see opportunities in new markets. (UKTN)
Private equity and external funding
- 57 % are considering private equity investment to support growth or transformation. (ECI Partners – UK private equity firm)
- Especially in travel and technology sectors, interest is even higher. (ECI Partners – UK private equity firm)
These decisions aren’t just theory — they reflect actual planning and capital allocation choices by business leaders in 2026. (ECI Partners – UK private equity firm)
4. Community & Business Owner Reactions
Here’s what some business-focused communities have commented online:
- “Running a business is about risk… management of risk is how a business survives.” (Reddit user comment) (Reddit)
- “In my business, we are extremely optimistic. Things are looking up and buyers are more willing to take a risk with our service.” — another business owner comment reflecting confidence. (Reddit)
These informal reactions suggest that enthusiasm about growth prospects is real among some owners — although others do question whether the optimism is justified. (Reddit)
5. Expert Insight: Balanced Perspective
A separate Deloitte CFO survey found that UK finance leaders are also becoming more confident about using technology, including AI, to improve performance — an example of risk being tied to strategic investment rather than blind optimism. (ctmfile.com)
- Nearly 60 % of CFOs reported greater confidence in digital/AI investment potential than a year ago. (ctmfile.com)
- This supports the idea that risk appetite is rising alongside technology adoption. (ctmfile.com)
Summary
Why nearly half of UK business owners are more willing to take risks in 2026:
Confidence is returning after a cautious period. (ECI Partners – UK private equity firm)
Growth strategies like international expansion and PE funding are shaping risk choices. (ECI Partners – UK private equity firm)
Leaders publicly frame risk as strategic opportunity not reckless choice. (ECI Partners – UK private equity firm)
Community responses reflect mixed but often optimistic sentiment about real-world conditions. (Reddit)