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Businesses Set Sights On Growth Through Investment in AI and Team Training in 2026

Lloyds
Published on: 31 December 2025
2 min read
  • A third of UK businesses plan to invest in AI tools (33%), while over a third will be making investments in team training in 2026 (35%)
  • Firms’ top focus area is improving productivity (42%)
  • Over a third of companies also say they’ll need extra support in technology (35%) to achieve their 2026 goals

UK businesses are looking to unlock new growth opportunities in 2026 by developing their teams and expanding their use of AI tools, according to Lloyds’ Business Barometer.

The survey of 1,200 firms reveals that over a third of UK businesses plan to invest in team training (35%) next year, while a similar proportion will focus on AI tools (33%). These strategic moves aim to position firms to take advantage of emerging growth opportunities in an increasingly fast-paced market.

The survey showed that businesses’ top priorities for 2026 will be boosting their productivity (42%), upskilling their teams (39%), and strengthening technological capabilities (37%). When reflecting on operational and investment priorities, most firms identify technology (35%) and productivity (35%) as areas where they will need additional support to achieve their 2026 goals, followed by upskilling (31%) and expanding global reach (25%).

Research from Lloyds Business Barometer earlier in 2025 found that 82% of UK firms using AI reported increased productivity, underscoring the potential benefits of digital investment.

Lloyds is already investing heavily in AI education, running initiatives such as a six-month ‘Leading with AI’ programme with Cambridge University and an AI Academy for all staff. In 2025, Lloyds hosted its largest-ever Data & AI Summer School, delivering more than 250 sessions to equip colleagues with cutting-edge data and advanced AI skills.

These are investment priorities that will support businesses’ long-term growth, helping them capitalise on new opportunities that arise in the year ahead, but also build a firm foundation well beyond 2026. Whatever their ambitions for the new year, we’ll continue to be with businesses every step of the way, providing our support to help them achieve their objectives and make critical investments for growth.

Paul Kempster Managing Director for Commercial Banking Coverage, Lloyds Business & Commercial Banking

Lloyds is the UK’s largest digital bank with one third of its staff working in technology roles, including software engineering, data science and cyber security.

 

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