# 80% of UK businesses reported a negative impact from the Middle East conflict.

*business · news · 2026-05-26 · LBC*

## Key points

- 80% of UK firms report a negative impact from the Middle East conflict, per Barclays report.
- Small companies' borrowing dropped 13.1% in early 2026 as they increased savings by 1.5%.
- 61% of surveyed firms now use agentic AI in operations, indicating rapid technology adoption.
- 68% of firms plan to increase cybersecurity investment over the next year.
- Barclays' CEO is advocating for a Cabinet-level AI ministerial post to guide national strategy.

**Companies:** Barclays
**Countries:** United Kingdom, Iran

[Read the full story on LBC](https://www.lbc.co.uk/article/95b53487aea44347a516555a65319a01-5HjdZgY_2/)

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