Confidence with caveats: CFOs warn on tariffs, tech and regulation
Finance leaders across the UK remain bullish about their own business prospects for the year ahead, but deep concerns persist around government policy, global uncertainty and the pace of technological change. A new survey of 500 senior finance professionals by The CFO Centre, which supports businesses with part-time or ‘fractional’ CFOs, found that 56% are ‘very confident’ of hitting business targets this year, with a further 40% ‘somewhat confident’.
AI and automation top the list of growth drivers, with 41% identifying it as their biggest opportunity. Other key opportunities include improved supply chain efficiency (40%), expansion through mergers and acquisitions (35%), product diversification (33%) and cost reduction (33%).
However, external threats loom large for UK finance leaders, with 42% saying macroeconomic factors are a major concern. The biggest risks keeping CFOs awake at night include exchange rate fluctuations (38%), the Trump presidency and tariffs (35%), global supply chains (32%) and inflation/interest rates (32%).
When asked what they wanted from the Labour government over the next 12 months, finance professionals called for increased investment in business (27%), grants to support AI and automation adoption (27%), reduced business rates for high-growth sectors (25%) and simplification of business regulation (25%).
In addition, 23% of finance leaders said they would like to see more effective negotiation of tariffs, while nearly a quarter called for a review of the UK’s relationship with the EU. One in five urged greater support for green businesses, including grants for sustainable practices.
Sara Daw, CEO of The CFO Centre, said: “Finance leaders are showing remarkable confidence in their own ability to deliver, but this optimism comes with a clear warning. External pressures – from tariffs and exchange rates to regulation and geopolitical risk – remain front of mind. While AI presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for growth, our research shows businesses want government support to unlock its full potential, calling for clarity on regulation, investment and international trade in the months ahead.
The CFO Centre works with more than 800 SMEs across the UK, providing experienced part-time CFOs to support growth, resilience and long-term success.