TLDR: A recent Barclays Business Prosperity Index report reveals that a significant majority, 89%, of UK businesses are planning to leverage Artificial Intelligence within the next two years to tackle critical business challenges. This comes amidst ongoing global economic uncertainties and rising energy costs, with firms focusing on AI for improved data analysis, enhanced customer experience, and operational cost reduction. The report also highlights a growing demand for AI skills, with many businesses actively hiring for AI-focused roles.
London, UK – September 5, 2025 – A new report from the Barclays Business Prosperity Index indicates a strong commitment among UK businesses to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their operations, with 89% planning to utilize AI to resolve key business issues over the next two years. This strategic shift is occurring against a backdrop of persistent global economic challenges and escalating energy costs, as companies seek innovative solutions for growth and resilience.
The comprehensive Barclays Business Prosperity Index, which analyzes data from over 1 million Barclays clients, paints a picture of a resilient yet cautious business landscape. Despite the prevailing uncertainties, UK firms are actively accelerating their AI adoption and investing in upskilling their workforce to foster innovation and drive growth.
Key areas where businesses intend to deploy AI include enhancing data analysis, improving forecasting and business intelligence, elevating customer experience, and significantly reducing operational costs. These applications underscore a pragmatic approach to AI, focusing on tangible benefits that can directly address current economic pressures.
The report also highlights a burgeoning demand for AI-related talent. Nearly a third of businesses (11% already, 21% currently) are actively hiring for AI-focused roles, with a substantial 42% planning to do so in the near future. This trend suggests a recognition of the need for specialized skills to effectively implement and manage AI technologies, positioning the UK to potentially become a global leader in AI.
In a display of confidence, businesses are projected to increase their overall investment by 5.5% over the next 12 months, with 89% expressing confidence in their own business prosperity. However, this optimism is tempered by caution, as 55% of businesses are delaying investment decisions until the Autumn Budget, and 43% anticipate increasing investments once new measures are announced.
While business leaders remain confident in their individual enterprises (89%), confidence in the broader UK and global economies has slightly softened since Q1 2025 (from 67% to 65% for both). Persistent concerns around inflation (33%) and increased utility costs (22%) are identified as the primary barriers to growth.
Further analysis of Barclays’ anonymized client data comparing Q2 2024 and Q2 2025 reveals a muted but resilient business activity. Cash inflows saw a slight decrease of 0.8% year-on-year, and current account cash balances declined by 0.4%. Overdraft usage, however, increased by 3.3%. Lending remained subdued, with a 5.9% average decrease for typical businesses, although firms collectively borrowed £9 billion from the Barclays Business Prosperity Fund in the first half of 2025.
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The findings are based on an Opinium business research survey conducted among 1,000 business decision-makers between August 1st and 14th, 2025, covering various business sizes and sectors across the UK. The report clearly indicates that AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day imperative for UK businesses navigating a complex economic landscape.
