Business investment in the United Kingdom accelerated in the second quarter of 2026, with growth rising to 1.7% quarter-over-quarter from 0.9% in the first quarter of the year. The latest figures, updated on 13 August 2026, indicate a strengthening in corporate spending momentum after a more modest start to the year.
On a quarter-over-quarter basis, the current 1.7% reading compares the second quarter of 2026 with the first quarter of 2026, while the previous 0.9% figure reflected the change from the fourth quarter of the prior year to the first quarter of 2026. The pickup suggests that companies have become more willing to commit capital, potentially reflecting improving confidence in the UK’s economic outlook and business environment as the year progresses.
