Invest Daily Pro
  • Economy
  • Investing
No Result
View All Result
  • Economy
  • Investing
No Result
View All Result
Invest Daily Pro
No Result
View All Result
Home Top News

Barclays launches £22bn fund and new business prosperity index to support UK business growth

by
November 13, 2024
in Top News
0
Barclays launches £22bn fund and new business prosperity index to support UK business growth
0
SHARES
1
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Barclays has introduced the Business Prosperity Index, a new quarterly report offering a detailed view of UK business performance and growth opportunities.

Created with the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr), the index combines data from over one million Barclays business clients—including lending, cash flow, and international payments data—and survey insights from 1,000 business leaders, providing a comprehensive gauge of business sentiment.

The inaugural Q3 findings reveal that UK businesses are increasingly confident about growth, with planned investment in Q3 rising by 1.4% year-on-year. Post-Budget, nearly half (46%) of businesses have resumed previously paused investment plans, and 37% are more likely to seek additional funding. To support this ambition, Barclays has launched the Business Prosperity Fund, a £22bn fund designed to aid UK businesses in accessing finance for expansion, available to both new and existing Business Banking and UK Corporate Banking clients.

Matt Hammerstein, CEO of Barclays UK Corporate Banking, expressed cautious optimism: “Our data shows many businesses are ready to kick-start growth by seeking the funding they need. The availability of our £22bn Prosperity Fund will support business investment and help drive economic prosperity.”

Investment Appetite and Challenges

The Q3 survey highlights financial resilience and a strong appetite for investment, with the primary focus on staff training (44%) and R&D (35%). Despite ongoing pressures, 61% of business leaders expressed confidence in the UK economy’s direction. Improved cash flow across Barclays’ business accounts reflects this resilience, with net cash flow increasing by 17% year-on-year as businesses manage outflows effectively.

However, workforce shortages remain a critical challenge, with 62% of businesses citing skilled labour shortages. The issue is most pronounced in Scotland (92%), Yorkshire and the Humber (90%), and the West Midlands (88%). Nearly half of surveyed firms aim to invest in headcount growth, and many are prioritising training to counteract the skills gap.

Post-Inflation Pricing Pressures

While inflation has peaked, high production costs persist, leading businesses to adapt strategies to retain customers amid rising costs. Over half (52%) of firms plan to expand product offerings, despite rising costs, and 65% have introduced pricing adjustments, special offers, or reduced sizes (shrinkflation) to remain competitive.

Hannah Bernard, Head of Barclays Business Banking, noted the significance of the new index as a tool for business leaders and policymakers: “The Business Prosperity Index is designed to be a bellwether for business sentiment, helping businesses navigate the economic landscape and ensuring access to the resources needed for growth.”

ShareTweetPin

Related Posts

Have a taste of the perfect day in paradise with SULÀ Spirits
Top News

Have a taste of the perfect day in paradise with SULÀ Spirits

January 8, 2025
First months of 2025 likely rainy amid La Niña conditions, says PAGASA
Top News

First months of 2025 likely rainy amid La Niña conditions, says PAGASA

January 8, 2025
December inflation rises to 2.9%
Top News

December inflation rises to 2.9%

January 7, 2025
Outstanding debt hits fresh high of P16.09T
Top News

Outstanding debt hits fresh high of P16.09T

January 7, 2025
Outstanding debt hits fresh high of P16.09T
Top News

Outstanding debt hits fresh high of P16.09T

January 7, 2025
PHL end-December dollar reserves drop to $106.8B
Top News

PHL end-December dollar reserves drop to $106.8B

January 7, 2025
Next Post
“Heidelberg Foresees Robust Second Half in 2024/2025 Fiscal Year”

“Heidelberg Foresees Robust Second Half in 2024/2025 Fiscal Year”

Recommended

HMPH celebrates 75th anniversary of Philippine-South Korean ties through Hyundai Stargazer promo

HMPH celebrates 75th anniversary of Philippine-South Korean ties through Hyundai Stargazer promo

August 29, 2024
The SCTR Report: Why PLTR Stock Remains a Top Contender in a Volatile Market

The SCTR Report: Why PLTR Stock Remains a Top Contender in a Volatile Market

May 1, 2025
Glass Pharms Welcomes Adam George as New Chairman

Glass Pharms Welcomes Adam George as New Chairman

January 8, 2025
Can Philippine manufacturing ever recover? First comes an Agricultural Revolution

Can Philippine manufacturing ever recover? First comes an Agricultural Revolution

October 22, 2024
Post Office eyes extra £100m from new bank deal to boost postmasters’ pay

Post Office eyes extra £100m from new bank deal to boost postmasters’ pay

January 3, 2025
MPIC unit says Iloilo mega desalination plant ready by 2026

MPIC unit says Iloilo mega desalination plant ready by 2026

August 8, 2024

    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    • About us
    • Contact us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Copyright © 2025 InvestDailyPro. All Rights Reserved.

    Disclaimer: InvestDailyPro.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively InvestDailyPro ) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice.
    The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    No Result
    View All Result
    • About us
    • Contact us
    • Home
    • Privacy Policy
    • Suspicious engagement
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Thank you

    Copyright © 2024 investdailypro.com | All Rights Reserved