Northern England businesses report rising growth and productivity

Business growth and productivity trends in Northern England show strengthening confidence and a shift toward technology-driven scaling. In the North East, entrepreneurs have reported rising growth expectations for six consecutive quarters. According to the Entrepreneurs’ Forum Pulse Survey, 83% of business owners expect turnover to increase over the next 12 months, and 56% have created new positions in the last quarter.

Despite this optimism, many North East businesses are exercising caution regarding the wider economic and political climate. Approximately 34% of entrepreneurs are delaying business decisions, such as recruitment and capital investment, pending the outcome of the Government’s October Budget.

In the broader North of England, the 2026 High Growth 50 report indicates that high-growth companies are increasing revenue through improved productivity rather than rapid hiring. While median turnover for the cohort increased by 115% over the last three years, median headcount growth slowed to 47%. This trend suggests that businesses are increasingly utilizing automation, AI, and technology to expand operations and increase turnover per employee.