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.
QES Q1 2025 coming soon
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
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
BCC Quarterly Economic Forecast 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.