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      The Barometer Pulse 2025 reveals a renewed sense of optimism among UK private enterprises, with confidence levels climbing and growth ambitions accelerating.

      From influential private firms that rival listed companies, to agile SMEs, family-run businesses, and a thriving start-up ecosystem, the private enterprise sector remains a vital force in driving employment, productivity and resilience across the UK economy.

      As businesses adapt to shifting market dynamics and global uncertainty, the Barometer Pulse 2025 offers a timely snapshot of how private enterprises are evolving, investing and preparing for the future.

      But in a landscape defined by rapid change and opportunity, how are private businesses positioning themselves for success in 2025?

      Euan West
      Euan West

      Head of UK Regions and UK & EMA Head of KPMG Private Enterprise, Head of Markets & Growth

      KPMG in the UK

      Key findings

      Barometer Pulse

      Barometer Pulse Insights

      Private enterprise leaders confident in the new normal of challenge and change

      Despite economic headwinds and rising employment costs, confidence among UK private enterprise leaders remains strikingly high. The latest KPMG Private Enterprise Pulse reveals that 93% of leaders are optimistic about the future, with many doubling down on growth strategies, international expansion, and technology investment. This resilience signals a sector that’s not just surviving—but actively shaping its own path forward.

      But what’s fuelling this optimism in the face of uncertainty? From the strategic embrace of AI and automation to a renewed focus on capital efficiency and regional investment, the full blog explores how private enterprises are navigating today’s challenges—and what they need from policymakers to truly unlock their potential.

      Read more

      With strategic plans in place, UK private enterprises are poised to act - driven by confidence, tech investment, and a call for policy support in the Autumn Budget.
      Read more

      Stable growth, strategic clarity, and AI innovation are fuelling confidence among UK private enterprises - even as inflation, interest rates, and tax concerns loom.
      Read more

      Despite a subdued start to 2025, UK private enterprises are regaining confidence and gearing up for growth, with improved market stability and strong cash reserves fuelling renewed interest in M&A.
      Read more

      As AI transforms business operations, UK private enterprise leaders are prioritising workforce training to unlock its full potential—ensuring their teams are equipped to drive productivity, innovation and strategic growth.
      Read more

      About the Barometer

      Business insights from the UK's privately owned companies & entrepreneurs

      Download our previous report

      The KPMG Private Enterprise Barometer is a research initiative designed to capture the sentiment of private business owners and leaders across the UK. It explores key themes such as business confidence, growth ambitions, investment priorities and future outlooks across sectors and regions. The findings reveal a sector that is confident, resilient and poised for growth.

      Private enterprises—ranging from large private players to family-owned firms, SMEs and start-ups—are the driving force of the UK economy. In a fast-changing environment, the Barometer offers a vital snapshot of how these businesses are navigating uncertainty and planning for what comes next.

      Download the full early 2025 Barometer report to explore the insights in depth.

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