New research from accountancy firm BDO reveals an appetite for overseas expansion among North West mid-market businesses. Tony McDonough reports
North West mid-market businesses are seeing international markets as a path to growth in 2026, a new survey reveals.
And the study, carried out by accountancy firm BDO, also shows private equity or venture capital investment will play a key role in funding the growth ambitions of North West businesses this year.
A 500 mid-sized business leaders found 41% of business leaders saw overseas expansion as a key growth driver for growth. Mergers and acquisitions and new partnerships are also favoured by 38% of respondents.
Against a backdrop of weakening business confidence and a subdued jobs market across much of the wider economy, the regional mid-market appears to be bucking the trend, with the majority of North West companies (76%) looking to take on staff.
However, mid-sized businesses remain relatively cautious, with only 59% expecting headcount to grow by up to 10%.
Almost two-fifths of North West mid-market businesses (38%) are considering government grants and incentives to fund their growth plans in 2026. A further 29% are looking at private equity or venture capital investment.
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Angela Cross, regional managing partner in the North West at BDO, said: “It’s fair to say that current economic conditions remain challenging for businesses, with high costs and reports of weakening business and consumer confidence.
“However, regional mid-market businesses remain resilient and, despite erring on the side of caution, the growth ambitions of mid-sized businesses in the North West are reason to be upbeat.”