UK mid-sized businesses are placing greater emphasis on supply chain resilience, energy efficiency and local sourcing as they prepare for changing operating conditions over the coming months.
New research covering 500 mid-sized businesses found that 46% expect supply chain, fuel and energy costs to be among their leading business challenges over the next six months. Manufacturing, construction, and hospitality and leisure are among the sectors giving particular attention to cost management and operational efficiency.
Businesses are responding with a range of measures designed to strengthen efficiency and long-term resilience. Around 35% plan to reduce energy consumption, while 41% intend to accelerate investment in low-carbon technologies.
Sourcing strategies are also evolving. Approximately 30% of businesses are prioritising UK-based suppliers, while a similar proportion are exploring onshoring and nearshoring to create closer and more responsive supplier networks.
Investment planning remains an important focus, with 40% of businesses adjusting the timing or scale of investment projects. At the same time, 35% expect to incorporate additional costs into customer pricing as they adapt their commercial strategies.
The research also highlights the importance of continued investment in infrastructure and technology. Around 21% of mid-sized businesses want greater government focus on measures supporting supply chain resilience, including energy cost relief, improved electricity-grid access for manufacturers and support for technology investment.
Mid-sized businesses play a significant role in the UK economy, generating more than 40% of private-sector revenues and supporting 11.1 million jobs.
The findings highlight how UK businesses are increasingly combining local sourcing, energy efficiency, technology investment and nearshoring to develop more adaptable and resilient supply networks.
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