Owner-managed business pulse survey: Cautious optimism but businesses want action
16 September 2026
Moore UK owner-managed business pulse survey – September 2026
Our latest owner-managed business (OMB) pulse survey provides a clear snapshot of how UK business owners are feeling after the change of Prime Minister in July 2026. The response was one of cautious optimism. Many saw an opportunity for greater economic stability and growth, with more than half expecting the new leadership to have a positive impact on their business over the next 12 months.
But this optimism is not unconditional. Businesses are already setting out how they will judge the Government in the months ahead. Immediate concerns centre on tax and the cost of doing business, alongside a wider call for skills, infrastructure, trade opportunities and a clear long-term economic plan.
The findings also underline the link between confidence and investment. Four in ten business leaders say the change in Prime Minister makes them more likely to invest over the next year.
With the Autumn Budget approaching, the opportunity for Government is clear: turn early optimism into the confidence businesses need to invest, grow and plan for the future.
Headline findings
- 56% expect the change in Prime Minister to have a positive impact on their business over the next 12 months, compared with 15% who expect a negative impact.
- Confidence that the change will improve the economic outlook averages 6.4 out of 10, both regionally and nationally.
- 41% say the change makes them more likely to invest over the next 12 months.
- 38% identify lower business taxes as the most commonly cited change they would like to see in the next Budget, considerably ahead of any other individual theme.
- 65% are positive about greater devolution of powers to local and regional authorities.
- Optimism is particularly strong among younger business leaders: 67% of those under 40 expect the change to have a positive impact on their business, compared with 36% of those aged 40 and over.
About the research
To gather the data for this report, we surveyed 518 owners and senior decision-makers from businesses with turnover between £1 million and £30 million across England and Scotland between 21 and 28 July 2026. Respondents were drawn from a range of sectors.