HSBC UK has launched a £5bn AI and productivity financing initiative to help UK businesses invest in essential, future-ready capabilities.
UK mid-sized companies could generate an additional £105bn in revenue by 2030 if current AI adoption trends continue, according to new research carried out by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) on behalf of HSBC UK.
The study used forecasting and economic modelling to establish that AI is fast becoming a dividing line in the UK economy, separating firms that are accelerating ahead of those at risk of standing still.
There are around 35,000 mid-sized businesses in the UK – companies with annual turnover between £15m and £300m. In 2025, mid-sized firms generated 23% more value per employee than the wider economy.
Two years ago, 35% of mid-sized firms were using AI in some form. By the end of 2025, that figure had climbed to 55%, reflecting the mainstreaming of large language models, advanced analytics and workflow automation.
In response, HSBC UK has launched its £5bn initiative to support long-term business growth.
“Mid-sized businesses play a central role in UK growth,” says James Cundy, managing director and head of corporate and leveraged Finance at HSBC UK. “Our findings suggest AI adoption could strengthen one of the economy’s most important growth engines.
“The opportunity is significant, but it requires confidence to invest. Our focus is on supporting businesses as they invest in the technology, skills and innovation that will shape the UK’s next phase of growth. Through HSBC UK’s new initiative, businesses can access funding on commercial terms to build the skills, systems and technology they need to enhance productivity.”
The new research identifies a divide between businesses experimenting with AI to draft emails or summarise documents and those embedding it into core operations.
A quarter of mid-sized firms are described as ‘productive adopters’ – businesses integrating AI into forecasting, reporting, supply chain management and customer engagement.
For a mid-sized company of average size, ‘productive adoption’ can expect to generate £4.5m in revenue alongside £1.3m in additional economic value compared with a similar firm that does not adopt the technology within four years.
Last month, HSBC was approved by HM Treasury as the provider of its Digital Gilt Instruments (DIGIT) platform pilot.
