Business Insights and Conditions in Scotland (wave 156): 28 May 2026
Business Insights and Conditions Survey (BICS) weighted Scotland data up to survey period 4 May to 17 May 2026 (Wave 156). 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 May 2026 businesses were asked how they expect their business’s overall performance to change over the next 12 months.
Figure 5: In May 2026, 28.5% of businesses expected their business performance to increase over the next year and 12.6% 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 156 (4 May to 17 May 2026).
Source: BICS weighted Scotland estimates - data to Wave 156 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