Nearly half of UK adults are considering launching a business or side hustle this year, according to research from Adobe Express, highlighting sustained entrepreneurial ambition despite ongoing economic uncertainty.
The study found that 47% of UK adults are exploring starting a business, representing a 12% increase on the previous year. Yet structured planning remains uncommon among aspiring founders. Just 10% of intended business owners report having a detailed formal business plan, while 34% say they have only a basic outline.
A further 44% are currently working on a plan, and 12% say they do not intend to create one at all.
The findings suggest that while entrepreneurial activity remains strong, many founders are approaching new ventures without a structured framework for growth, investment, or risk management.
Confidence among those developing business plans remains relatively high despite this lack of formality. Survey results show 50% of respondents report being confident or extremely confident that their plans will achieve their 2026 goals, while 14% say they have little or no confidence.
However, optimism about broader business success is less widespread. Only 10% of people planning to start a business say they feel optimistic about their long-term success, reflecting the economic pressures facing startups.
Economic uncertainty shaping business planning —
The research identified economic downturn concerns as the most frequently cited challenge, mentioned by 20% of respondents.
Access to finance followed as the second most common obstacle, with 15% highlighting difficulties securing investment or funding.
Other anticipated barriers include increased competition (10%), changing consumer behaviour (9%), regulatory changes (9%), and uncertainty about how to structure a business plan (7%).
These pressures are already influencing entrepreneurial strategy. The survey found 61% of aspiring founders have already pivoted their original business plans, reflecting the need to adapt to shifting market conditions.
Performance data from existing businesses also revealed notable differences across industries.
Companies operating in environment and agriculture and media and internet sectors reported the strongest results, with 50% saying they significantly exceeded their first-year targets — the highest proportion among industries surveyed.
Most sectors reported meeting or exceeding initial business plan targets overall. However, legal businesses showed weaker performance, with 33% reporting they fell slightly below their first-year objectives. In the hospitality and events sector, 17% reported similar shortfalls.
Creative industries faced more pronounced challenges, with 8% of businesses in creative arts and design reporting they were significantly below targets.
The data also highlighted an apparent gap between confidence and performance in some sectors. Among respondents in accountancy, banking, and finance, 11% said they had no confidence their business plan would succeed. Yet results suggest otherwise — 24% significantly exceeded targets, 28% moderately exceeded them, and 24% met their objectives.
Regional sentiment also varied across the UK.
Entrepreneurs in Glasgow reported the highest levels of optimism about their industries, with 44% saying they were extremely optimistic despite current economic conditions. However, the same group also reported significant strategic shifts, with 33% stating they had substantially changed their original business plans.
By contrast, respondents in Norwich expressed the greatest concern about economic conditions. Fourteen percent said they were not optimistic about the outlook for their industry, while 18% reported having no confidence in their business plans.
In Southampton, performance indicators appeared stronger. Nineteen percent of respondents said they significantly exceeded their annual targets, 38% moderately exceeded them, and 25% met their goals, with 42% reporting they had not needed to change their business plans.
The findings suggest entrepreneurial ambition remains strong across the UK, while founders continue to navigate financial uncertainty, competitive pressure, and evolving market conditions.
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