The survey of senior executives found that 80% plan to invest this year, with close to 70% earmarking at least £250m of investments to drive growth. 

Deloitte estimates that the UK's biggest businesses will invest up to £90bn in 2014, with an increase in 2015 to £107bn. Healthcare, telecomms and chemicals companies are set to lead large-scale investment this year, with consumer businesses and financial services companies likely to delay investment until 2015. 

Over 70% of non-listed businesses indicated that they would invest in both 2014 and 2015, compared with 26% of listed companies.

However, the resurgence of business investment will be phased as some companies use cash for other purposes. Half of respondents (58%) say they intend to return cash to shareholders this year and 11% will to focus on strengthening their balance sheets. 

David Sproul, chief executive of Deloitte UK, said: ‘In 2013, businesses invested just £3bn more than they did in 2009. This investment is much needed and with the OBR [Office for Budget Responsibility] also forecasting a 50% increase in capital spending over the next five years, all the signs are that it is on its way.’ 

At present, 72% of respondents generate more than half of their revenues from within the UK. By 2017, Deloitte’s figures suggest only 57% expect this to be the case, equal to almost £500bn of new revenue from international markets. China and the Asia-Pacific region are most attractive for large businesses with 73% and 66% forecasting growth in those markets respectively. However, 67% of respondents continue to see steady or strong growth for their businesses in the UK, with 60% expecting likewise across the EU.

Deloitte surveyed 132 senior executives at £1bn plus turnover businesses.