77% of mid-sized businesses feel overlooked ahead of Budget

More than three-quarters (77%) of Britain’s mid-sized businesses feel overlooked by Government policy ahead of the Autumn Budget, according to new research from specialist lender Shawbrook.

The findings, published as part of Shawbrook’s M Agenda insight series, reveal continuing frustration among mid-market businesses over access to tailored support and their representation in national economic policy.

More than seven in ten (71%) business leaders said they struggle to find Government support suited to companies of their size, up from 65% in Autumn 2025.

Meanwhile, the proportion feeling overlooked by Government policy has remained virtually unchanged at 77%, compared with 78% a year earlier.

The research highlights growing calls for greater recognition of mid-sized businesses within the Government’s economic growth strategy, particularly as firms prepare for potential policy changes in the forthcoming Budget.

Businesses call for greater policy stability

Half (50%) of respondents identified more stable, longer-term Government policy as the most important factor in improving their confidence in the business environment.

Almost as many (49%) called for greater recognition of mid-sized businesses within the national growth strategy, while 41% wanted direct consultation with companies of their size before major policy decisions are introduced.

Other priorities included simpler access to existing Government support schemes (39%) and more consistent regulation across sectors (37%).

Despite concerns about the policy environment, investment intentions among mid-sized businesses have strengthened significantly.

More than nine in ten (92%) plan to invest in their businesses over the next 12 months, up from 80% in Autumn 2025.

The research also found that 54% of mid-sized business leaders believe Prime Minister Andy Burnham has good policies for firms of their size.

Neil Rudge, Chief Banking Officer at Shawbrook, said the findings demonstrated the importance of mid-sized businesses to the UK economy and the need for more targeted policy support.

“Mid-sized businesses are doing a lot of the heavy lifting for the UK economy. They make up fewer than 1% of UK companies, yet they carry an outsized share of the country’s jobs and turnover, and they’re not slowing down: more than nine in ten (92%) plan to invest in their business over the next 12 months, up from 80% a year ago.”

Rudge said Government support was frequently focused on start-ups or larger corporations, leaving mid-sized companies facing difficulties accessing suitable assistance.

“They’ve been clear about what would help: policy that doesn’t shift at every Budget, recognition in the national growth strategy and a say before big decisions are made.”

He added: “With the Budget just days away, it’s a chance to make sure the middle is firmly in view, so this growth can continue.”