At the mid-year point, the broader economy has widely been characterised as “two-speed.” The British Chambers of Commerce warned that while some parts of the economy — especially construction — were holding up, many sectors remained under significant strain.

Business investment has broadly remained weak, constrained by cost pressures, rising labour expenses, and global trade uncertainty.

Yet M&A remained one bright spot. According to a global M&A report for Q2 2025, despite volatility, dealmaking activity in the UK held up better than many peers — particularly in mid-market and strategic deals.

For business owners thinking about exiting, this may be a critical moment. The macroeconomic backdrop looks challenging, but for the right business — one with stable cash flows, strong operations, and defensible position — there remains real demand. Timing and messaging around long-term value, not short-term momentum, become key.

As always, if we can help in any way, we’re happy to do so.

email us: info@thebusinessboard.co.uk
call us: 0118 338 1818

*Sources: The Guardian, Office for Budget Responsibility