The Barclays Business Prosperity Index found that among large corporates in Scotland, average loan value rose by 10.3% and loan volumes increased by 18.3% this quarter, indicating a broader uptake of lending and larger average exposures among major businesses.

It also revealed that despite signs of cashflow pressures, Scottish firms were planning the strongest increase in investment anywhere in the UK over the next year, with investment expected to rise by 12.0%.

It noted this was the highest of any UK nation or region and 7.9 percentage points above the UK average. The findings suggest businesses are continuing to back growth, innovation and productivity even as near-term conditions remain challenging.

It highlighted that investment intentions are concentrated around long-term growth priorities, with businesses placing the greatest emphasis on training and development for their employees (41%), research and development (36%), new or upgraded equipment (34%), and digital products (33%), highlighting a focus on productivity, innovation and workforce capability.

The data also indicated that the legacy of pandemic-era support continued to influence financing decisions. Among the 42% of businesses that received financial support during Covid-19, more than two thirds (67%) have subsequently taken out additional finance, suggesting familiarity with external funding has encouraged further borrowing to support growth and resilience.

However, some firms remain cautious about accessing finance. Of those that have not taken on additional borrowing since receiving pandemic support,
more than a third (36%) cite concerns about increasing debt levels, while 26% point to the cost of borrowing.

Barclays’ data shows cash coming into businesses fell by 6.3%, while international payments into Scotland were down 6.9%. Savings balances also dropped by 8.7%, suggesting some firms may have used reserves to help manage weaker cashflow. Around 92% of Scottish businesses said they are confident in their prospects. 

The Index includes research conducted among 1,000 senior business decision makers, between 21st July -1st August 2026, by Opinium Research on behalf of Barclays. The businesses represented in both surveys include micros, small businesses, medium businesses and large businesses representative across sectors and regions of the UK.  

Jamie Grant, head of Barclays Corporate Banking Scotland, said: “Scottish businesses are not immune from the pressures facing the wider UK economy, from weaker demand to tighter cashflow. But what stands out in this data is their willingness to keep investing through uncertainty.

“That matters because business investment is what drives productivity, creates jobs, supports innovation and strengthens local economies. Scotland’s firms appear to be looking beyond short-term challenges and backing their long-term growth potential.”

Barclays has launched its Business Prosperity Fund to new and existing Business Banking customers and UK Corporate Banking clients across the UK, forming part of Barclays’ £22bn lending commitment for 2026, supporting lending and refinancing for eligible projects.