Added by Love Business East Midlands | 5 January 2026

East Midlands Businesses Prioritize Technology Investments in 2026, According to Lloyds’ Business Barometer

In a significant shift, 34% of businesses in the East Midlands plan to prioritize investments in technology for the year 2026. This marks a notable increase compared to the previous year, where only 16% of firms indicated a commitment to investing in new technology. The intent to enhance technological capabilities highlights the growing recognition among businesses of the necessity to adapt to an increasingly digital marketplace.

Furthermore, the survey reveals that an impressive one-third (32%) of East Midlands companies are not just focusing on tech but are also channeling resources into staff training this year. As the workforce evolves, these training initiatives are essential for ensuring that employees are well-prepared to utilize new technologies effectively. A similar percentage (29%) of business leaders have also identified the expansion into new UK markets as a key area of investment for 2026, signaling a proactive approach to growth.

Looking forward, East Midlands firms foresee a year focused on enhancing productivity, with 42% aimed at boosting operational efficiency. Equally, 40% of businesses are committed to upskilling their teams. Moreover, 30% are actively seeking to enhance their technological capabilities—an essential aspect for remaining competitive in today’s fast-paced business environment.

In alignment with these investment priorities, 38% of East Midlands businesses express that they require additional support to bolster their technological advancements. This emphasizes the critical role of external assistance in achieving their 2026 objectives.

The insights provided by the Business Barometer, which conducts monthly surveys of 1,200 businesses and has been operational since 2002, shed light on important economic trends both regionally and across the UK. The data serves as a vital tool for understanding market dynamics and preparing for future challenges.

Dave Atkinson, the regional director for the East Midlands at Lloyds, commented on these promising findings:

“It’s encouraging to see that East Midlands firms are prioritizing investment in team training alongside technology. These two factors complement each other, and both have long-term growth and productivity benefits.”

“Whatever firms’ strategies in 2026, we’ll be ready with our support to help them achieve their goals.”

How AI legalese decoder Can Assist East Midlands Businesses

As companies in the East Midlands continue to invest in technology and staff training, navigating the complexities of legal language in contracts and agreements can pose a significant challenge. The AI legalese decoder can be an invaluable tool in this regard. This innovative platform simplifies legal jargon, making it accessible and understandable for business owners and their teams. By utilizing AI legalese decoder, businesses can ensure that all parties involved have a clear understanding of their contractual obligations and rights.

Moreover, as firms expand into new markets and embrace technological advancements, the need for comprehending legal requirements becomes even more critical. AI legalese decoder can help streamline the process of reviewing legal documents, saving time and reducing the risk of costly misunderstandings. In turn, this allows companies to focus more on their core business strategies and less on deciphering complicated legal texts, thus aligning with their goal of enhancing productivity and efficiency for 2026.

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