BICS weighted Scotland estimates: data to wave 138

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 August 2025 (Wave 138) businesses were asked about prices in the month of July 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 22.1% of businesses, the prices of materials, goods or services bought in July 2025 had increased compared with June 2025. An estimated 7.9% of businesses increased the prices of goods and services they sold in July 2025 compared with June 2025, down from 11.5% 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 138.

Source: BICS weighted Scotland estimates - data to Wave 138 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 2 data see tables ‘PricesBoughtChange’ and ‘PricesSoldChange’.

In August 2025, businesses were asked what their expectations were for the prices of goods or services sold in September 2025. An estimated 15.7% of businesses were expecting to increase prices in September 2025.

Figure 3: Labour costs was the top factor reported by businesses for considering price increases (31.2%).

Estimated share of businesses by factors causing business to consider raising prices in September 2025. Businesses not permanently stopped trading, with 10+ employees and a presence in Scotland. Wave 138.

Source: BICS weighted Scotland estimates - data to Wave 138 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 3 data see table ‘PriceFactors’.