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Six in 10 businesses adapting to extreme heat, Barclays finds

The research found that 37% of businesses had already increased investment to adapt to higher temperatures, while a further 23% were considering doing so.

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unhappy woman sitting in front of working fan suffering from heat in modern house on sunny summer day in front of working fan suffering from summer heat.
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Six in 10 businesses have increased investment or are considering changes to their operations in response to extreme heat, according to the Q2 Barclays Business Prosperity Index.

The research found that 37% of businesses had already increased investment to adapt to higher temperatures, while a further 23% were considering doing so.

Cooling equipment, including air conditioning and ventilation, was the most common investment priority, cited by 28% of firms, while 23% were adopting energy-efficiency measures to manage higher energy use.

Barclays’ data also indicated growing demand for cooling infrastructure, with air conditioning suppliers seeing cash inflows into Barclays accounts increase by 4.3% year-on-year during Q2 2026.

Businesses are also changing working practices during periods of hotter weather.

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More than a quarter (28%) have introduced employee wellbeing measures such as additional breaks, while 23% are offering flexible or remote working and 21% have adjusted working hours.

The impact on productivity varied by business size, with 27% of small and micro businesses reporting that hot weather had negatively affected productivity.

By comparison, 47% of larger businesses reported a positive impact.

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Jason Constable, head of real estate at Barclays UK Corporate Bank, said: “As extreme heat becomes a more regular operational challenge, UK firms are investing in practical measures to stay resilient, from cooling systems and workplace upgrades to energy efficiency to manage higher energy use and employee wellbeing.

“For consumer-facing businesses, cooler and more comfortable premises can also help protect footfall, dwell time and day-to-day trading during hotter periods.

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“That presents a clear opportunity for heating and cooling, retrofitting, facilities management, and wider sustainability providers.

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“As demand grows across both business and consumer markets, these sectors can play an important role in helping firms adapt, protect productivity and build long-term resilience.”

Gavin Parker, head of property services at Barclays UK Corporate Bank, said: “As businesses invest in cooling, ventilation, energy efficiency and wider workplace upgrades, facilities management providers are well placed to help organisations adapt to the challenges of extreme heat.

“From retrofit projects to improving building performance, the sector has a key role to play in helping businesses protect productivity and employee wellbeing.

“As demand for these services grows, access to finance to support expansion and investment will be critical. Through initiatives such as the Barclays Business Prosperity Fund, we’re helping businesses invest in projects that strengthen resilience and support long-term growth.”

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