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Introduction
According to the Future Space Report 2026 from Savills, 43% of commercial premises occupiers in the industrial and logistics sector are expecting business conditions to improve over the next 12 months.
As a direct result of tariffs administered by President Trump international trade issues are under the spotlight for exporting businesses and those in the logistics supply chain. Around 40% of businesses believe that an increase in tariffs issued from the United States Government on different international markets will increase demand for UK warehouses. On top of this, 42% of manufacturers have stated they are considering nearshoring or onshoring parts of their supply chain to address any potential tariff increase related costs.
What Are The Top Sectors With Building Expansion Plans?
Overall, 47% of commercial premises occupiers are planning to take on more space over the next 12 months and 64% are planning to expand their footprint over the next 3 years. The top areas for businesses with expansion plans are as follows:
i) Logistics – 72% – operators have stated that their main focus will be on expanding existing premises
ii) Retailers – 59% – retailers are looking to move into new build-to-suit premises
iii) Manufacturers – 52% – manufacturers are also looking new for build-to-suit locations
What Is The Current Regional Demand For Businesses Looking To Acquire New Premises?
In terms of businesses looking to consider expansion into new buildings, the demand in each region is as follows:
i) East Midlands – 34%
ii) West Midlands – 29%
iii) South East – 28%
iv) North West – 21%
v) London – 18%
vi) Yorkshire – 16%
vii) North East – 12%
viii) South West – 11%
ix) Wales – 7%
x) Scotland – 6%
Businesses who are looking for funding assistance to renovate or expand their commercial premises or explore new builds can access a number of grants and loans to help with these activities. Funding is available from local authorities and enterprise support agencies in towns, cities and across rural areas.
What Are Some Of The Latest UK Buildings and Renovation Funding Opportunities Available?
i) Future Growth Grant
Lisburn and Castlereagh Council is running a scheme that aims to encourage vacant commercial property owners to invest in their buildings, attract tenants and reduce long term vacancy and dereliction in Lisburn City Centre. Eligible costs include construction works, such as renovations, extensions, modernisation, conversion, flooring, lighting, electrical, wiring, plumbing and heating works. Funding up to £300,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
ii) Invest to Grow
University of Derby is running a programme that provides funding towards the cost of investments to create long term sustainable job and business growth. Eligible costs include the purchase of land and buildings and refurbishment, fit-out and/or adaptations of land and buildings. Funding up to £250,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
iii) Commercial Buildings Enhancement Grant
Dundee City Council is running a scheme that will support external improvements to units which are currently occupied as well as internal and/or external improvements to units which are unoccupied or subject to a newly signed lease with tenants looking to move in. Funding up to £100,000 is available.
Application Deadline: 13th April 2026
iv) Transforming Towns Property Development Grant – New Round
Wrexham County Borough Council is providing funding to help with external capital improvements to retail and commercial properties within Wrexham city centre. Any works to improve the energy efficiency of buildings are also eligible. Funding up to £50,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
v) Repurposing Our High Street Grants
Cheshire East Council is running a scheme providing funding to businesses or organisations that take up leases on empty commercial premises in Crewe town centre to cover the costs of improving the property or purchasing equipment.Funding up to £30,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vi) Shipley Shop Front Improvement Grant
Invest in Bradford is providing grant assistance to undertake external property improvement works to enhance the streetscape frontage of shops and businesses in Shipley town centre.Funding up to £20,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vii) Gainsborough Shop Front Improvement Scheme
West Lindsey District Council is running a scheme offering grants to property owners and businesses to cover the costs of renovating or redesigning their shop frontage, as part of the programme to protect, restore and enhance the historic centre of Gainsborough. Funding up to £15,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
viii) Vacant Commercial Property Grant Scheme
Bristol City Council is providing funding to support the cost of improvements or modifications to commercial buildings, building works, including replacement shop fronts, and new equipment and shop fittings. Funding up to £10,000 is available.
Application Deadline: 30th November 2026
How To Apply For Buildings and Renovation Funding Schemes
Full details about how to apply for schemes and the eligibility criteria is available on each individual scheme page on the relevant website. Any deadlines, who can apply and what eligible costs the grants will cover will also be outlined on these pages. Interested individuals and businesses can speak to advisors based at each provider who can guide them through requirements and eligibility criteria to see if the relevant funding is a match with their needs and help them to apply. There are also application forms and other supporting guidance available on scheme pages as well.