Business Insights and Conditions in Scotland (wave 142): 30 October 2025
Business Insights and Conditions Survey (BICS) weighted Scotland data up to survey period 6 October to 19 October 2025 (Wave 142). The BICS provides statistics on how current conditions are affecting businesses in Scotland, including impact on financial performance, workforce, trade and resilience.
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 October 2025 (Wave 142) businesses were asked about prices in the month of September 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: 20.0% of businesses saw an increase in the prices of goods or services bought in September 2025 compared with August 2025, and 6.8% increased the prices of goods and services they sold.
Estimated share of businesses experiencing increased prices (of goods or services bought or of goods or services sold). Businesses not permanently stopped trading, with 10+ employees and a presence in Scotland. Applicable waves 40 (20 September to 3 October 2021) to 142 (6 October to 19 October 2025).
Source: BICS weighted Scotland estimates - data to Wave 142 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 2 data see tables ‘PricesBoughtChange’ and ‘PricesSoldChange’ for data from Wave 55 onwards, and tables ‘PricesBought’ and ‘PricesSold’ for data prior to Wave 55.
At 20.0%, the share of businesses seeing an increase in the prices of goods or services bought in September 2025 is the lowest share of 2025 so far, but this is still above some rates experienced in 2024.
In October 2025, businesses were asked what their expectations were for the prices of goods or services sold in November 2025. An estimated 12.6% of businesses were expecting to increase prices in November 2025, in line with the previous month.
Figure 3: Labour costs was the top factor reported by businesses for considering price increases (32.6%).
Estimated share of businesses by factors causing business to consider raising prices in November 2025. Businesses not permanently stopped trading, with 10+ employees and a presence in Scotland. Wave 142 (6 October to 19 October 2025).
Source: BICS weighted Scotland estimates - data to Wave 142 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 3 data see table ‘PriceFactors’.
Contact
For enquiries about this publication please contact:
Marina Curran
Business & Innovation Statistics
Office of the Chief Economic Adviser
email: industrystatistics@gov.scot
For general enquiries about Scottish Government statistics please contact:
Office of the Chief Statistician
email: statistics.enquiries@gov.scot