BICS weighted Scotland estimates: data to wave 136

Prices

The BICS asks businesses that have not permanently stopped trading (i.e. ‘Currently Trading’ or ‘Paused Trading’) about how the prices of materials, goods and services bought and sold compare with the previous calendar month. Note that in July 2025 (Wave 136) businesses were asked about prices in the month of June 2025. Prior to Wave 55 (19 April to 1 May 2022), ‘Currently Trading’ businesses were asked how prices compare to normal price fluctuations.

Figure 2: For an estimated 24.3% of businesses, the prices of materials, goods or services bought in June 2025 had increased compared with May 2025. An estimated 11.5% of businesses increased the prices of goods and services they sold in June 2025 compared with May 2025, down from 16.3% in the previous month.

Estimated share of businesses experiencing increased prices. Businesses not permanently stopped trading - with 10+ employees and a presence in Scotland. Applicable waves 18 to 136.

Source: BICS weighted Scotland estimates - data to Wave 136 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 2 data see tables ‘PricesBoughtChange’ and ‘PricesSoldChange’.

In July 2025, businesses were asked what their expectations were for the prices of goods or services sold in August 2025. An estimated 13.9% of businesses were expecting increased prices in August 2025.

Figure 3: Labour costs was the top factor reported by businesses for considering price increases (36.0%).

Estimated share of businesses by factors causing business to consider raising prices in August 2025. Businesses not permanently stopped trading, with 10+ employees and a presence in Scotland. Wave 136.

Source: BICS weighted Scotland estimates - data to Wave 136 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 3 data see table ‘PriceFactors’.