20 October 2026, London — Confidence among UK business leaders is edging back. Vistage’s CEO Confidence Index rose 4.3 points to 95.7 in Q3 2026, up from 91.4 in Q2, according to quarterly data from CEO coaching and peer-advisory organisation Vistage.
Despite this, 52% of CEOs say economic conditions have worsened over the past year and 33% expect them to deteriorate further over the next 12 months. The findings point to a mid-market regaining some footing while still waiting for fiscal clarity before committing fully to growth.
Leaders grow more confident about their own businesses
Leaders remain more confident in their own business than in the economy around them. Only 17% expect conditions to improve and 46% expect them to stay the same. Yet 58% expect sales revenue to grow over the next 12 months, while 46% expect higher profits, up from 43% in Q2. Just 9% anticipate sales decreasing.
Hiring and investment plans recover as caution eases
The pressure on growth plans has eased, but not disappeared. The share of leaders who have slowed, paused or reduced hiring because of the tax and regulatory environment fell from 51% in Q2 to 39%. The share holding back or cancelling planned investment fell from 26% to 17%.
Looking ahead, 42% expect to increase headcount and 40% plan to raise fixed investment, against 13% and 11% who expect to cut.
CEOs remain committed to the UK while carrying more of the load
Despite economic uncertainty, 83% say it is very unlikely they will relocate outside the UK in the next two years, while only 6% say a move is likely.
Four in ten leaders say they are making more significant business decisions each week than a year ago, yet 55% do not have a credible plan for who would lead the business if they stepped away.
“Attitudes to hiring are thawing and investment plans are being considered, which tells us the worst of the caution may be passing.”
Professor Joe Nellis, Economic Adviser, Vistage
Nellis said the Government could turn a chilly business environment into a lasting upturn by providing fiscal stability and easing the cost of employment, so that recruitment and investment become the sensible choice rather than the risky one.
Emma van Rooyen, Managing Director of Vistage UK & Ireland, said leaders were making more decisions with more at stake, often without a safety net, creating a risk of burnout for both the individual and the business.
Methodology
This UK wave is based on 142 responses collected in September 2026. Full data tables are available to journalists on request.
About Vistage UK & Ireland
Vistage is a CEO coaching and peer-advisory organisation with more than 45,000 members across 40 countries. In the UK and Ireland it brings business leaders together in confidential peer groups, one-to-one coaching and expert sessions.
