Mid‑Market Minds on the US: Fast‑Track Decisions and a Dash of Optimism
What the Latest Business Outlook Tracker Says
Grant Thornton UK’s newest survey, a rolling pulse check of over 600 mid‑market decision‑makers, shows that firms are zoom‑ing into their overseas strategies but still feel pretty confident about their odds. Even before the “big deal” hit the headlines, optimism has taken a slight dip from record highs, but it’s still ringing above the norm for the past four years.
- 80% of companies are optimistic about the UK’s economic prospects over the next six months – a 3 percentage‑point drop since February.
- 59% expect profits to rise in the next half‑year, down 8 percentage‑points from earlier in the year.
Mid‑Market Powerhouses Speak Up
Dan Dickinson, Grant Thornton’s tax partner, notes that mid‑market winners form the real backbone of the UK economy. Their voices guard our economic horizon.
“The last five years battered us with the pandemic and its fallout. Now, most firms have hard‑wired shock‑absorption into their DNA. Despite the cost hikes flagged in the Spring Statement and the Autumn Budget, these leaders remain remarkably upbeat.”
Who’s Eyeing the US?
- 75% see the US as a key growth arena.
- 61% warn that tariffs might dent their expansion appetite.
- 70% still think the Trump era was good for British business—though that’s slipped 13 points since February.
Trade Reality Check
Of those already trading with the US (68% of respondents), nearly half (45%) plan to pull out entirely, while 25% intend to pull the plug on certain products. Only 9% expect no change at all.
How Mid‑Markets Are Gearing Up
According to Dickinson, firms are moving fast. They’re juggling everything from exploring new markets, to setting up US offices, to bringing parts of their supply chain back to the UK.
“Even after the US‑UK trade deal announcement, we still see a lot of work in the pipeline. With other deals on the horizon, flexible thinking remains the name of the game.”
Stay Ahead in a Fast‑Changing World
In a whirlwind of deals and interest‑rate cuts this month, businesses feel a reassuring lift. Clarifying trade agreements gives the green light for planning and investment. A new EU deal is expected before the month ends, reinforcing the UK’s reputation as a dependable trading hub.
In short, the advice is: don’t rush into knee‑jerk pivots. Strategic decisions take time, and a hasty move can lock a company into a messy, pricey overhaul. Yet letting inertia take hold can hurt too. The smart play? Rigorously analyse each option, keep contingency plans nimble, and ride the 3‑ to 6‑month window until the big picture settles.
