HSBC UK is launching a £5bn AI and productivity financing initiative to support UK businesses with future-ready investments.

New research from the Centre for Economics and Business Research found that mid-sized firms in the UK could generate a further £105bn in revenue by 2030 if they continue on with current trends in AI adoption.

AI is rapidly becoming tell-tale sign of business success, marking the difference between companies that are forging ahead and those that risk falling behind, according to the research’s economic forecast modelling.

Mid-sized companies – about 35,000 in the UK – generate 23% more value per employee than the economy average.

Just two years ago, 35% of mid-sized firms were using AI; by the end of 2025, this jumped to 55% of firms as mid-sized businesses adopt large language models, automation, and advancements in analytics.

The research found further divides between those using AI for simple tasks – email drafting and document summaries – and those fully incorporating them into their workflows.

When it came to mid-sized business AI adoption, a quarter were described as ‘productive adopters’ – those embedding AI into their entire business and tech stack from the supply chain to customers.

The rise in AI usage and the importance of mid-sized companies to the UK’s economy prompted HSBC UK to launch the £5bn initiative boosting long-term business growth.

Analysis indicated that ‘productive adoption’ can generate £4.5m in revenue, as well as with £1.3m in additional economic value compared to a similar sized firm that does not adopt AI.

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“Mid-sized businesses play a central role in UK growth,” James Cundy, managing director and head of corporate and leveraged Finance at HSBC UK, said. “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.”