Retail and logistics businesses accounted for more than four-fifths of the UK’s large warehouse take-up during the first half of 2026, according to research from BNP Paribas Real Estate. Leasing activity involving industrial and logistics buildings larger than 100,000ft² reached 15.9 million ft² during the six-month period. This included 8.4 million ft² transacted during the second quarter, 10.7% more than in Q1. BNP Paribas Real Estate said the increase reflected warehouse expansion and portfolio improvements among established UK retailers, alongside growing demand from international e-commerce and fulfilment companies. More than three million ft² came from transactions involving facilities larger than 500,000ft².