Retail investor optimism rises

A major new Retail Investor Sentiment survey, carried out for the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Insights Unit, shows increased optimism that could be harnessed to grow the UK economy.

More than 2,500 investment platform users were polled by Find Out Now on behalf of the BCC last week. Over half (53 per cent) said they feel optimistic about their investments over the next 12 months, up from just 42 per cent when the same question was asked in May.

The research followed the Chancellor’s July speech, where she spoke about working with the financial regulator to support more private investors in UK businesses.

Confidence is translating into action. Four in 10 respondents (40 per cent) said they plan to invest more cash over the next year, while nearly half (47 per cent) expect to maintain their current levels. Only 8 per cent expect to decrease investment.

Younger investors are the most confident. Among those aged 30-39, 56 per cent expect to invest more in the next year, compared with 52 per cent of 18-29-year-olds. Younger investors also hold broader portfolios – 28 per cent of 18-29-year-olds invest in crypto, compared with just 8 per cent of 55-64-year-olds – and they are more engaged, with over a third (34 per cent) checking their accounts several times a week.

The survey also reveals strong appetite for investing in UK equities. More than half of respondents (51 per cent) said they would use a UK Growth ISA, rising sharply to

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76 per cent among 18-29-year-olds. The UK Growth ISA is a key recommendation in the BCC’s recently published Blueprint for Growth.

David Bharier, Head of Research at the BCC, said: “Retail investors alone will not resolve the structural challenges facing UK public equity markets and the wider economy. But they must be part of the answer.

“Our research shows individual investors are increasingly optimistic, with many planning to increase their investments over the next 12 months. It’s crucial that government taps into this growing appetite. An additional allowance to invest in UK equities would help channel more of the public’s money back into the market.

“Right now, most retail investor attention goes overseas, drawn by the clarity and momentum of US success stories. But with the right incentives, their energy, enthusiasm and growing sophistication could breathe new life into UK equities. A new generation of investors is emerging with a much bigger appetite – the UK needs to be ready for them.”

Tyron Surmon, Head of Research at Find Out Now, added: “With the FTSE 100 recently reaching a record high, our results will be encouraging for government as it looks to get more people investing in the stock market.

“We found a significant boost in optimism compared to earlier this year, and a majority saying they would be willing to take up a UK Growth ISA – they just need government to take the first step.”

SME exporters struggle as trade confidence remains weak

UK exporters continue to face difficult trading conditions, with smaller firms hit hardest, according to the latest Trade Confidence Outlook from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

The survey of more than 2,000 exporters highlights how sentiment remains weak across the board. The research was conducted in the weeks following the announcement of a narrow UK-US trade deal and the EU reset agreement, though neither had yet come into effect.

The research shows that SME exporter sentiment remains very weak, with most not reporting increased export sales or orders. However, micro firms are more likely to be reporting worsening conditions.

Overall, 24 per cent of SME exporters reported an increase in export sales, 50 per cent no change, and 26 per cent a decrease. By contrast, only 20 per cent of micro exporters reported an increase.

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Looking at export orders – sales yet to be made – 22 per cent of SME exporters reported an increase, 51 per cent reported no change and 27 per cent reported a decrease. By contrast, only 18 per cent of micro exporters reported an increase and 29 per cent reported a decrease.

SME exporters are consistently more likely to report decreased exports compared to before the pandemic and Brexit. In Q2 2018, only 14 per cent of SME exporters reported a decrease in overseas sales compared to 26 per cent in Q2 2025.

William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “Exporting remains an uphill grind for many SMEs and the smallest firms are finding it toughest of all.

“Smaller, innovative, agile businesses should be able to export in a streamlined way, especially by taking advantage of e-commerce platforms. But in practice it is larger firms who seem able to more easily navigate the challenges and complexities of international trade.

“If the UK wants to boost exports for the long-term, then our overseas traders will require additional support and the right finance and advice to develop their order books.”