(Credit: William – stock.adobe.com)

According to Barclays’ Q1 2026 Business Prosperity Index, 85% of Scottish firms are confident about their five-year prospects, tracking consistently above the national average.

This optimism extends to the broader macroeconomic environment, with Scotland’s commercial sector showing stronger faith in the UK, European, and global economic outlooks than counterparts elsewhere.

Rather than retreating in the face of global tensions, which have negatively impacted the vast majority of UK firms, Scottish companies are proactively investing in long-term growth.

The data reveals a heightened focus on future-proofing, with local firms overtaking the UK average in funding digital products, staff development, and research and development. Furthermore, Scotland’s business community is increasingly outward-looking, with nearly half reporting an uptick in export activity compared to just 41% nationally.

Cybersecurity has also surged to the top of the boardroom agenda. As technological adoption accelerates, 35% of Scottish businesses expect to increase their cyber investments over the coming year, building on the 23% of firms that have already boosted spending since the start of 2026.

Encouragingly, the vast majority feel their security capabilities are successfully keeping pace with new technologies.

Jamie Grant, MD of Barclays Corporate Bank, Scotland, said: “Scottish businesses are showing impressive resilience in the face of a complex global economic backdrop.

“What stands out is the strength of confidence and that businesses are continuing to invest in  the fundamentals of long-term growth, including skills, innovation and digital capability.

“While challenges remain, particularly in translating that investment into productivity gains, Scottish firms are well placed to navigate uncertainty and seize future opportunities. Through  the £22bn Barclays Business Prosperity Fund, we’re able to support businesses to invest in resilience and growth.”