Quarterly Economic Survey
The Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) conducted by the British Chambers of Commerce is the UK’s largest and longest-running independent survey of business sentiment. The survey asks businesses across all sectors if you have experienced a change in a range of indicators each quarter, including sales, exports, cash flow, investment, and recruitment. It gives unparalleled insight into the health of the local and national economies.
It should only take 5-10 minutes
Make Your Voice Heard
Our members are able to share their thoughts and concerns with us and we present this data to local and national government and lobby for strategies and policies that will best reflect the will of our members and promote economic growth in the area. We ensure that your voice is heard by those who can make a difference.
Previous Findings
2026
QES Infosheet Q2 2026: The proportion of firms planning to increase investment has fallen to its lowest level since the pandemic. Inflation has become the top concern for businesses.
QES Infosheet Q1 2026: Business confidence remains fragile at the start of 2026. Labour costs remain the top cost pressure, cited by 73% of respondents
2025
QES Infosheet Q3 2025: Business sentiment remains flat ahead of the Budget. Almost half (44%) of firms expect to raise prices over the next three months.
QES Infosheet Q2 2025: Business sentiment remains subdued following April’s NICs increase. Taxation remains the top concern, cited by 56% of respondents.
QES Infosheet Q1 2025: Business sentiment remains very weak as taxation continues to be the top concern. Business confidence has fallen further since the immediate aftermath of the Budget.
2024
QES Infosheet Q4 2024: Following the Chancellor’s autumn statement, 63% of firms cited tax as a worry (compared with 48% in Q3), the highest level on record.
QES Infosheet Q3 2024: Taxation is now more of a concern than inflation for business, cited by nearly half of firms (48%). Business confidence has declined slightly, with 56% of firms expecting an increase in turnover in the next twelve months.
QES Infosheet Q2 2024: Concern about external factors such as inflation and interest rates continue to decline. 38% reported an increase to domestic sales in the last three months. The percentage of firms expecting their prices to rise drops to 39%, compared with 46% in the previous quarter.
QES Infosheet Q1 2024: Whilst business confidence remains buoyant, there has been no overall improvement to business conditions. 56% expect their turnover to grow over the next twelve months and 46% now expect their prices to rise in the next three months.
2023
QES Infosheet Q4 2023: Inflation remains the top external factor of concern for the majority of respondents (58%). Although this has declined significantly from the peak of 84% in Q3 2022.