mproved access to finance is offering a boost to Welsh SMEs, but economic uncertainty remains the main barrier to business growth, according to a new report.
The Economic Intelligence Wales annual report 2025/26 shows that lending to small firms has risen sharply, although confidence remains weak amid pressure from costs, recruitment difficulties and uncertainty over future demand.
Gross lending to small businesses increased by 51 per cent during the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier.
Half of UK SMEs reported using some form of external finance, while lenders recorded rising demand for funding from smaller companies and improved credit availability across small, medium and large businesses.
Despite these positive signs, the wider trading environment remains challenging. Global growth forecasts have been downgraded and inflation remains above target.
The Federation of Small Businesses’ confidence index was firmly negative at -52.5, with economic conditions identified as the principal concern for SMEs.
Wales also recorded more business closures than new business start-ups during the first quarter of 2026.
The value of Welsh exports fell by 0.5 per cent to £19.1 billion in the year to March 2026.
However, almost 35 per cent of businesses in Wales expect their performance to improve during the coming year, a higher proportion than the UK average.
UK GDP also increased by 0.7 per cent in the three months to April 2026.
The report was published today, Wednesday 9 September 2026, following the election of a new Plaid Cymru-led Welsh Government that has placed productivity growth at the centre of its economic strategy.
The government aims to halve the productivity gap between Wales and the rest of the UK within a decade, with SMEs expected to play a central role in increasing innovation, investment and long-term economic growth.
Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price, said: “Economic uncertainty continues to weigh on many businesses, but this report provides grounds for cautious optimism. Signs of improving finance conditions and renewed business ambition are welcome, particularly at a time when investment will be critical to Wales’ future economic success.
“Raising productivity means helping businesses invest in new products, skills and technology. Ensuring that ambitious firms can access the capital they need to grow and innovate will be vital if we are to build a more prosperous and competitive Welsh economy.”
The annual report was produced by Dr Mark Lang, Professor Max Munday, Professor Annette Roberts and Neil Roche of the Welsh Economy Research Unit at Cardiff Business School.
It provides an assessment of economic conditions, business confidence and access to finance in Wales.
The publication forms part of the wider Economic Intelligence Wales initiative, a collaboration involving Cardiff Business School, Bangor Business School, the Enterprise Research Centre, the Office for National Statistics and the Development Bank of Wales.
Professor Max Munday of the Welsh Economy Research Unit at Cardiff Business School and an author of the report said: “This year’s annual report shows a mixed picture for Welsh SMEs. There are encouraging signs that finance conditions are improving, with increased credit availability and stronger lending to small firms.
“However, confidence remains fragile and the wider economic climate continues to weigh heavily on investment decisions. With productivity now central to Wales’ economic mission, ensuring SMEs can access the finance they need to invest, innovate and grow will be critical.”
Giles Thorley, Chief Executive of the Development Bank of Wales, added: “As an independent research collaboration, Economic Intelligence Wales provides valuable evidence and insight that helps us, policymakers and the wider business community better understand the conditions facing Welsh SMEs. Robust, independent data is essential if we are to make informed decisions and ensure that support is targeted where it can have the greatest impact.
“The findings in this report reflect what we are hearing from businesses across Wales. Costs, recruitment and uncertainty continue to create real challenges, but many SMEs are still looking ahead and investing for the future.
“Our role is to make sure that viable businesses can access the right finance at the right time, whether that is to manage short-term pressures, invest in productivity or support long-term growth.”
