Innovate to Grow 2026:
Unlocking the UK’s Power to Innovate

Innovate to Grow

Innovation is one of the keys to business growth. New ideas, technologies, processes, products and services can all improve the reach and profitability of UK companies. But to be a successful innovator, you will need to understand what makes investment worthwhile, and the hurdles you’ll have to overcome to innovate your way to growth.

The 2026 Innovate to Grow Report uncovers what strategies lie behind 500 of the UK’s most successful innovators. With added insight from our tax and innovation consultants, the report is designed to help you better use innovation to drive growth, whether you are already an innovation champion or just starting out on your innovation drive.

Download your copy of the 2026 Innovate to Grow report for:

  • Analysis of the top 3 barriers holding back innovation in UK businesses 
  • The funding available and why businesses aren’t accessing it 
  • How Innovation Leaders outperform their peers 
  • Practical actions to accelerate innovation in your business
 

Download Innovate to Grow 2026


What can we learn from the UK’s top innovators?

500 senior executives of high-growth businesses in sectors prioritised by the UK Industrial Strategy - fintech, life sciences, renewables, manufacturing and creative industries – gave us their thoughts on how UK Government policy, economics and wider factors were impacting their innovation strategies. From best use of tax incentives, through hiring strategies and leadership expertise, we found out what’s working for them, and what’s not.

How Innovation Leaders are funding their innovation pipelines

Many are actively pursuing a wide range of funding opportunities

  • 86% Equity investment (e.g. venture capital, private equity, infrastructure funds)
  • 83% Strategic investment or joint ventures
  • 76% Revenue-based or recurring finance
  • 62% Government grants or innovation funding
  • 52% Bank loans/asset finance/venture debt
  • 52% R&D tax credits or refunds
  • 34% Invoice or trade finance
  • 31% IPO or public equity proceeds
  • 24% Government grants or subsidies
  • 21% Sale-and-leaseback

The research highlights the continuing importance of innovation as a driver of growth - businesses that maintain a focus on innovation are more likely to identify new opportunities, respond to market change and support long-term success.

Download the report

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