Firms taking on new borrowing has doubled this year, survey finds

Research found around 56% of business leaders took on new borrowing or credit arrangements in the past year (Steve Paston/PA) - (PA Archive)

The proportion of UK businesses borrowing money has doubled this year, as firms source funding to alleviate cost pressures and boost tech spending, a survey suggests.

Around 56% of business leaders said they took on new borrowing or credit arrangements in the past year, up from 28% in 2025, according to research by HSBC UK.