The latest Global Business Barometer shows key trends among Austrian companies in the UK and globally.
- 55% of Austrian subsidiaries in the UK surveyed expect their turnover to grow in 2026.
- 50% expect their investment level to remain the same, while only 10% expect an increase in investment.
- Although 60% of Austrian companies surveyed in the UK expect a stable development of the general economic climate for 2026, 11% anticipate improvements, while 29% foresee a deterioration. The share of companies expecting improvement has halved in comparison to 2025 results.
- Regarding the economic situation in the UK, 9% anticipate improvements, 48% expect stability, and 43% predict a downturn.
- The availability of qualified labour, and bureaucracy are seen as top challenges of doing business in the UK.
- Legal certainty, digitalisation, and a predictable economic policy are rated as highly favourable factors for the UK business environment.
- Sustainability is a top priority with the majority of respondents in both the UK and Austria highlighting its importance.
- Companies see geopolitical risks such as protectionism, military conflicts, and systemic rivalry between world powers as potential challenges to operations.
See the full results by clicking the PDF below.
