renewed lease of life report 2026: restoring SME confidence

// Just 6% of UK SMEs describe themselves as confident and ready to grow, while 37% are struggling or under significant pressure.

// UK SMEs are now operating within a seven-month planning horizon, with only 14% able to confidently see beyond the next 12 months.

// Nearly half of SME equipment is considered sub-optimal, creating a hidden drag on productivity, competitiveness and employee experience.

// 74% say making the wrong long-term investment decision feels riskier than it did two years ago.

// 90% see benefits in leasing, yet adoption has fallen from 44% to 38%, revealing a growing gap between intent and action.

Based on insights from 500 SME decision-makers across the UK, Renewed Lease of Life explores how businesses are responding to rising costs, cashflow pressures, modernisation demands and growing economic uncertainty. The report uncovers a growing confidence crunch at the heart of the SME economy and highlights what businesses need to restore confidence, unlock investment and build resilience for the future.

About grenke

At grenke, we believe SMEs are the backbone of the UK economy. For almost 30 years, we have worked alongside businesses to help them access the equipment, technology and assets they need to grow, adapt and remain competitive. Through Renewed Lease of Life, we are committed to understanding the challenges facing UK SMEs and contributing to the conversation around how confidence, flexibility and investment can help businesses move forward.

As David Horton, UK Managing Director of Sales at grenke, explains:

"The challenge facing SMEs today is not recognising the need to invest and modernise – it's feeling confident enough to act. By understanding the pressures businesses face and the support they need, we can help create the conditions for future growth and resilience."