Sustainability
We have an important role to play in creating a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Find out how we're helping UK businesses to grow and thrive with the latest thought leadership from our business experts, sector insight, data and resources.
Businesses power the UK’s growth, and right now they’re faced with a combination of challenges and exciting opportunities. New technology, like AI, is helping companies work faster and better while consumer expectations continue to evolve.
We’re proud to be a partner of choice for British businesses, backing their ambitions by helping them to adapt to these opportunities, invest with confidence, adopt new technology, reach new markets and grow sustainably. One million UK businesses are supported by our leading digital and relationship banking services as they start up, grow and thrive.
In 2026, we’ll make over £35 billion of new finance available to companies operating and investing in the UK – supporting jobs, growth and prosperity for our communities. And of this, £9.5 billion will be dedicated to SMEs.
2025 was a year of growth for many businesses of all sizes across all regions of the UK.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, our £1 billion Regional Impact Fund, backs projects with significant social, economic, or environmental benefits, such as housing regeneration and the transition to net zero.
We have a comprehensive strategy that combines investment, partnerships, and community engagement to support regional economic growth across the UK.
A key objective of our fund is to support social and affordable housing in alignment with the Group’s overall strategic priorities.
An early example is our funding to Breck Homes, enabling the development of sites for social and affordable housing in the North-West of England. Many of these developments are located in some of the most deprived areas in the UK and our funding will accelerate growth plans, allowing Breck Homes to continue to help to meet the growing demand for this type of housing.
Data from the Lloyds Bank Business Barometer in May 2025 revealed that 82% of UK businesses using AI report increased productivity, while 76% say it has improved their profitability.
These gains are especially pronounced in sectors like retail and manufacturing, and in regions such as Northern Ireland and the North West.
Looking ahead, over half of UK businesses (56%) plan to invest further in AI over the next year.
With winning new customers, improving efficiency, and staying competitive mentioned as main drivers for AI adoption.
To support this, 17% of businesses plan to create new AI-specific roles, showing how seriously companies are taking the opportunity. However, challenges remain including cost, skills gaps, and concerns around data privacy and energy use.
We're committed to supporting the UK's regions and communities through the regeneration of low-income areas, addressing disparities, and fostering investment and growth.
CEO, Business & Commercial Banking
Managing Director of Regional Development, Sustainability & Client Advisory
30 September 2026
Business confidence at 17-month low but remains above long-term average
10 September 2026
Lloyds Banking Group hunts for the UK’s next standout start-ups and scale-ups
28 August 2026
Business confidence highest since March driven by stronger customer demand
18 August 2026
More than half of UK businesses say AI has created new jobs as race for AI skills gets underway
13 August 2026
Lloyds reinforces support for UK farmers as prolonged dry weather adds pressure to rural businesses
31 July 2026
Business confidence reached four-month high during July as external environment calmed
13 July 2026
1 in 2 small businesses unprepared for new digital tax deadline
30 June 2026
Business confidence falls but UK firms with international outlook remain more optimistic
22 June 2026
UK businesses show resilience in response to global uncertainty
The Business Barometer report is a proprietary survey of 1,200 companies, produced so you can know the confidence levels among UK businesses every month.
41%
overall business confidence
50%
trading outlook
31%
economic optimism
Amanda Murphy CEO for Lloyds Business and Commercial BankingWhile confidence among larger firms remains strong, smaller businesses have seen a fall in sentiment as they continue to navigate higher costs, inflationary pressures and global uncertainty. Overall confidence remains above its long-term average, and most businesses still expect activity to grow over the coming year, underlining the resilience of UK firms. Ensuring smaller firms can share in future growth will be crucial in the months ahead.
As the UK’s largest financial services provider, we have an important role to play in creating a more sustainable and inclusive future for people and businesses, by shaping finance as a force for good.
We aspire to contribute to a UK in which all households have access to affordable, safe and sustainable homes in places they want to live.
We're committed to supporting the UK's regions and communities, supporting the regeneration of low-income areas, addressing disparities, and fostering investment and growth.
Page last updated: September 2026