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Business Insights and Conditions in Scotland (wave 152): 26 March 2026

Business Insights and Conditions Survey (BICS) weighted Scotland data up to survey period 2 March to 15 March 2026 (Wave 152). The BICS provides statistics on how current conditions are affecting businesses in Scotland, including impact on financial performance, workforce, trade and resilience.


Business Performance

In March 2026 businesses were asked how they expect their business’s overall performance to change over the next 12 months.

Figure 5: In March 2026, 32.6% of businesses expected their business performance to increase over the next year and 9.1% expected it to decrease.

Estimated share of businesses by expected business performance over the next 12 months. Businesses not permanently stopped trading, with 10+ employees and a presence in Scotland. Applicable waves 55 (19 April to 1 May 2022) to 152 (2 March to 15 March 2026).

A line chart showing that in March 2026, an estimated 32.6% of businesses expected their business performance to increase over the next 12 months. 9.1% expected it to decrease.

Source: BICS weighted Scotland estimates - data to Wave 152 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 5 data see table ‘BusinessPerformanceExpect’.

Note that those answering ‘Not sure’ are not included in the chart.

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

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