The bank polled 199 of its accountant partners, with results revealing that 13% expect high growth while just 6% predict no growth at all.

Among the established businesses planning to grow, 72% are focused on purchasing new machinery or equipment, 69% are seeking working capital or cash flow support, and nearly a third (32%) say they will invest in digital transformation or software over the next 12 months.

While accountants are optimistic about growth in 2026, Allica said its survey also revealed that SME ambition is not always being matched by high-street banks.

48% of the accountants surveyed said their clients receive some support from their bank, but need more. 40% said their clients do not get the support they need at all. Just 3% believe their clients are adequately supported.

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Meanwhile, 57% of accountants said they are not confident their clients can access the borrowing they need from their current bank, reinforcing concerns that traditional lenders are failing to support established SMEs.

When asked what would make them recommend a bank to a client, accountants were clear that relationship-driven banking remains essential.

76% said having a dedicated relationship manager is the most important factor, followed by competitive interest rates and access to high-quality digital banking tools.

Sophie Hossack, head of partnerships at Allica Bank (pictured above), said: "It’s encouraging that our accountant partners believe that growth in 2026 is achievable for them and their clients’ businesses.

"But the data shows there's clearly a mismatch between the ambition of business owners to invest and grow, and what traditional banks are doing to support them.

“Plugging this gap is going to be critical to support UK economic growth next year, and banks need to do more.”