Three quarters of UK firms impacted by Middle East conflict but confidence in own prospects remains resilient

BARCLAYS Business Prosperity research among over 500 UK business leaders assessing the impact of the Middle East conflict shows:-

66% of businesses say they are already experiencing pressures from fuel and energy prices, while:- 50% report moderate or significant supply chain disruptions.
37% have taken steps to reduce energy usage or improve efficiency in response, and 32% have adjusted pricing.
Despite the challenges, confidence in firms' own business (78%) and the outlook for their sector (74%) remains relatively resilient.

Rising energy costs, supply chain disruption and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty linked to the Middle East conflict are already impacting the majority of UK businesses. 62% report experiencing energy and fuel cost pressures, while shipping and logistics costs, with:- 43% weighing on margins.

According to the latest Barclays Business Prosperity research, in response, UK firms are already taking action to mitigate the operational impact of geopolitical instability. 37% are cutting energy use or improving supply chain efficiency, while:- 32% have adjusted pricing to offset rising costs.

Others are cutting discretionary spending or wider operational costs (29%), with more firms expecting to take similar action over the next 6 months (38%), and 34% are planning to pass rising costs on to customers.

As firms adapt to geopolitical shocks, access to finance is playing a central role in supporting business resilience. Support with managing cash flow (41%) and access to working capital or short term credit (39%) are becoming increasingly important.

The majority (83%) see existing cash savings as important to navigate the geopolitical disruption, with:- working capital support (78%), international trade finance (68%) and cross border payments solutions (67%) all seen as key sources of support.

Cost pressures have already started to feed through to consumer behaviour. Barclays Consumer Spend data shows fuel spending rose by:- 10.9% year on year at the start of the:- conflict, reflecting rising prices and increased demand, while spending on holidays and travel fell by:- 7.9% in in Mid March 2026, as households take a more cautious approach to their outgoings.

Abdul Qureshi, Head of Business Banking at Barclays, said:- "UK businesses are facing a convergence of pressures, with multiple challenges hitting at once. The impact is being felt most acutely by firms exposed to high energy costs, disrupted supply chains and international trade, and is compounded by a prolonged period of uncertainty ahead. For SMEs, this means dependable cash flow and access to working capital are increasingly important; not only to keep operations running, but to help safeguard future growth plans. Through our �22bn Barclays Business Prosperity Fund and sector specialists across the country, we�re here to provide businesses with support to navigate this uncertainty."

Despite these challenges, confidence in firms� own prospects (78%) and the outlook for their sector (74%) remains relatively resilient.

Confidence in the UK (49%), global (45%), and European (54%) economies is markedly weaker however, pointing to a clear divergence between:- business level confidence and the macroeconomic environment.

While business leaders expect geopolitical uncertainty linked to the conflict to restrict investment and growth plans over the next 12 months (80%), they anticipate only a slight or moderate impact (69%), with just:- 11% reporting a significant constraint on plans.

Matt Hammerstein, CEO of Barclays UK Corporate Bank:- "Our data shows most business leaders expect the impact of the Middle East conflict to continue into the year ahead, meaning firms are having to manage immediate pressures while still planning for future growth. In an environment of ongoing uncertainty, resilience and flexibility matter more than ever. Access to working capital, trade finance and cross border payment solutions can make a real difference, helping firms manage disruption today while remaining ready to invest and grow when conditions improve."

Barclays �22bn Business Prosperity Fund is available for new and existing Business Banking customers and UK Corporate Banking clients across the UK, providing lending and refinancing support for new and existing projects.

Upcoming Spitfire 90th Anniversary Flypast: Merseyside Schedule

REMINDER that a Supermarine Spitfire (BS410) will perform a historic flypast over Merseyside, on:- Monday, 13 April 2026, to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the aircraft's 1st flight.

This specific aircraft is a genuine veteran of the Second World War and has been repainted in a high gloss Cerulean Blue livery to match the original 1936 prototype.

The flight represents the 5th leg of a United Kingdom circumnavigation and is scheduled to travel from:- Glasgow Prestwick Airport to RAF Valley.

Observers in the Woodvale and Southport area should look to the skies between:- 14:00 and 15:30, though these timings remain subject to coastal weather conditions and air navigation requirements. After performing a salute at RAF Woodvale, which was the final operational home of the Spitfire, in the Royal Air Force until:- 10 June 1957, the aircraft will track south along the Mersey corridor. It is expected to pass near:- Liverpool John Lennon Airport, before crossing the estuary to follow the North Wales coastline. In a unique display of aerial heritage, a:- BAE Systems Hawk T2 jet from RAF Valley is expected to intercept and escort the Spitfire into the station.

Since Southport Pier is currently closed, members of the public are encouraged to find alternative vantage points along the coast. Prime locations include:- Freshfield Beach near the RAF Woodvale approach and Fisherman's Path, which offers views across the dunes towards the airfield. Those further South may see the flight passing the:- iconic Iron Men statues at Crosby Beach or crossing the Mersey, from the:- Liverpool Pier Head and Otterspool Promenade.

Visitors are urged to plan their journeys carefully as parking is expected to be a significant issue. Local authorities have reminded the public that the:- Formby Bypass and the Coastal Road are strict clearway areas, and anyone found parking on these verges will be issued a fine. It is essential to use designated car parks to ensure the safety of all attendees and to maintain traffic flow for residents and emergency vehicles.

For those unable to attend this event, the aircraft is scheduled to return to the Region for the:- Southport Air Show, on:- 29 August and 30 August 2026. For information visit:- VisitSouthport.com.

If interested in the last flight of the Spitfire, please visit our History Page, looking at this subject, on Mersey Reporter.

More information can be found at:- MOD.Gov.UK.

What are your thoughts on this news topic? Email our Newsroom at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com or send us a message on:- Mastodon, Facebook, or Twitter. Please do let us know as we love to hear your views....

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Three quarters of UK firms impacted by Middle East conflict but confidence in own prospects remains resilient

Upcoming Spitfire 90th Anniversary Flypast: Merseyside Schedule