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Introduction
According to insights extracted by Retail Tech Innovation Hub from the 29th PwC CEO Survey, 81% of UK CEOs who were surveyed stated that investment in technology, AI and data management hardware and software was their main priority in 2026. This is a strong increase from 60% in 2025. It is the case that 52% of UK CEOs are already purchasing technology to drive growth and gain a competitive advantage in their sector and 43% are using tech investments to deliver efficiency and cost savings.
In terms of AI adoption, 30% of UK businesses have seen revenue increases from actively using Artificial Intelligence within their operations. However, it is the case that only 33% of UK CEOs believe that their current levels of AI investment are sufficient to meet their goals, this is below the 40% global average.
Businesses looking to invest in capital equipment and technology can access grant funding to receive finance towards some of the overall eligible costs. Funding is typically available from UK councils and local business enterprise support organisations.
What Are Some Of The Latest UK Purchasing Equipment Funding Opportunities Available?
i) Royal Docks Good Growth Fund
The Mayor of London is running a scheme providing grants for businesses and organisations located within, or aspiring to move to London’s Royal Docks to undertake projects that will improve quality of life in the area and create opportunities to ensure the local economy continues to grow. Eligible costs allow SMEs to invest in new equipment and processes and new technology. Funding up to £3 million is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
ii) Business Growth Fund
North East Combined Authority is running a scheme providing capital funding to businesses looking to expand or establish new operations in Gateshead, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, North Tyneside, Northumberland and Sunderland. Eligible costs include the purchasing of capital equipment to help improve productivity, adoption of new to firm processes and technologies. Funding up to £300,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
iii) Invest to Grow
The University of Derby is running a programme that provides funding towards the cost of investments to create long term sustainable job and business growth in the East Midlands. Sectors invited to apply include those in advanced manufacturing, clean energy industries, life sciences, biomedical and health, Construction, Logistics and supply chain and creative and digital industries. Eligible costs include plant and machinery and equipment costs. Funding up to £250,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
iv) SME Capital Grants
Coventry City Council is running a scheme to enable B2B businesses to invest in capital assets such as machinery or equipment, hardware, software and the refurbishment or purchase of new premises. Funding up to £100,000 is available. Funding up to £100,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
v) Town Centre Premises Grant
Renfrewshire Council is providing a grant scheme that aims to assist businesses to move into empty, ground-floor commercial premises in town centres across Renfrewshire. Eligible costs include the purchasing of fixtures and fittings and equipment, security equipment and installation to help improve premises. Funding up to £25,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vi) Made Smarter Adoption Programme – North West
Made Smarter is running a scheme that aims to drive growth in manufacturing and engineering SMEs across the North West and help them boost productivity by helping them switch to advanced and automated technologies as well as improving employees’ overall digital skills. Eligible costs include the purchasing of new equipment. Funding up to £20,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vii) The Centre for Food and Fresh Produce Logistics
The University of Lincolnshire is running a scheme providing capital funding to help businesses enhance productivity, increase profits and develop their workforce. Eligible sectors include restaurants, food retailers, food and drink manufacturing and relative supply chains, logistics, packaging, fresh produce, engineering, manufacturing, equipment and technical services. Eligible costs include the contribution towards the purchase of equipment. Funding up to £10,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
viii) Promoting Innovation Pathways Programme
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is running a programme that aims to support SMEs and early-stage start-ups across Stoke-on-Trent to develop new products, services and processes. The programme includes a grant to support the purchase of capital equipment, prototyping, software costs, engagement of researchers and consultants and IP costs. Funding up to £5,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
How To Apply For Purchasing Equipment 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.