Scottish businesses are increasing cybersecurity investment at a faster rate than the UK average, according to new research from Barclays — with 35% expecting to boost cyber spending over the next 12 months, compared with 27% of businesses nationally.
The findings come from the Q1 2026 Barclays Business Prosperity Index, developed with the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr), which surveyed 1,000 senior business decision-makers across the UK between 17 April and 5 May 2026.
Cyber resilience rising up the agenda
Some 23% of Scottish firms have already increased cybersecurity investment since the start of 2026, while 31% say they are confident in their ability to respond to a major cyber incident. The trend reflects a broader UK-wide shift, with businesses ramping up technology investment to strengthen resilience in the face of global uncertainty.
The research also shows Scottish businesses are channelling investment into wider digital capability, with 41% investing in digital products and subscriptions (versus 34% UK-wide) and 37% in research and development (versus 34%).
Jamie Grant, MD of Barclays Corporate Bank, Scotland, said: “Scottish businesses are showing impressive resilience in the face of a complex global economic backdrop.
“What stands out is the strength of confidence and that businesses are continuing to invest in the fundamentals of long-term growth, including skills, innovation and digital capability.
“While challenges remain, particularly in translating that investment into productivity gains, Scottish firms are well placed to navigate uncertainty and seize future opportunities. Through the £22bn Barclays Business Prosperity Fund, we’re able to support businesses to invest in resilience and growth.”
Confidence holds firm despite geopolitical pressure
The cybersecurity push sits within a broader picture of Scottish business confidence outperforming the UK average. Some 85% of Scottish firms are confident about their prospects over the next five years (versus 80% nationally), and Scottish businesses report stronger confidence in the UK (63% versus 57%), European (71% versus 65%) and global (68% versus 57%) economic outlook — despite 80% of UK businesses reporting a negative impact from the conflict in the Middle East.
Scotland’s firms are also more export-focused, with 49% reporting increased export activity compared with 41% across the UK.
The full Barclays Business Prosperity Index is available at home.barclays/businessprosperity.
