Two-thirds of UK finance chiefs are feeling more optimistic about the economy than they were at the beginning of 2026, with the majority expecting their organisations to increase investment next year.
New research from European business spend management platform Pleo found that 66 per cent of UK chief financial officers (CFOs) feel more positive about the UK as a place to invest and do business compared with the start of the year.
Almost two-thirds (64 per cent) also said they were more confident about the overall economic outlook, suggesting a shift in sentiment among the country’s financial decision-makers.
That optimism is translating into plans for increased spending, with 65 per cent expecting their organisation’s overall business investment to rise in 2027. Just 14 per cent anticipate a reduction.
The findings suggest finance chiefs are increasingly looking beyond immediate economic pressures and prioritising longer-term growth.
Around two-thirds plan to increase spending on new products and services (65 per cent), recruitment (64 per cent), and technology and AI (62 per cent).
Investment in offices and facilities is also expected to rise, with 64 per cent anticipating increased spending, while 63 per cent plan to put more money into expanding into new markets.
There are also signs that businesses are looking to invest more in their workforce, with 65 per cent expecting greater spending on team social events and employee engagement. A further 62 per cent anticipate increasing investment in employee benefits and wellbeing.
The findings represent a notable change in mood compared with early 2025, when previous Pleo research found that 56 per cent of UK finance professionals expected the year ahead to be tougher than the previous one.
At the time, 76 per cent said the pressure on financial decision-makers was greater than ever, highlighting the contrast with the more positive outlook now being reported.
Jeppe Rindom, CEO and co-founder of Pleo “It’s encouraging to see finance leaders feeling more confident and looking to invest in the year ahead, despite the challenges that businesses are still facing.
“But planning to spend more is one thing. Deciding where that money goes is another. When businesses want to hire, launch new products and invest in technology at the same time, someone has to make the difficult calls about what comes first and what can wait.”
However, the improved confidence does not mean finance chiefs are without concerns as they look towards 2027.
Almost half (48 per cent) identified changing regulations as a major challenge for the year ahead, with the same proportion concerned about attracting and retaining finance talent.
Cybersecurity and data risks were highlighted by 47 per cent of respondents, while the same proportion pointed to difficulties accessing finance and capital.
The figures underline the balancing act facing businesses as they look to increase investment and pursue growth while navigating regulatory uncertainty, recruitment pressures and wider financial risks.
While confidence appears to have improved considerably since the start of the year, finance leaders will still have to contend with a number of challenges as they decide where to direct their spending in 2027.