Business Insights and Conditions in Scotland (wave 157): 11 June 2026

Supply Chain Concern

In the period 18 May to 31 May 2026 (Wave 157), the BICS asked businesses about supply chain concerns over the next 12 months. An estimated 49.2% of businesses had some form of concern about their supply chains, down from 57.9% in April 2026.

Figure 3: In May 2026, the top supply chain concern for businesses was international conflict (33.8%), followed by shipping disruption (24.8%). An estimated 30.6% of businesses had no supply chain concerns.

Estimated share of businesses by supply chain concern over the next 12 months. Businesses not permanently stopped trading, with 10+ employees and a presence in Scotland. Wave 157 (18 May to 31 May 2026).

Source: BICS weighted Scotland estimates - data to Wave 157 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 3 data see table ‘SupplyChainConcerns’.

In the period 18 May to 31 May 2026 (Wave 157), businesses were asked how concerned they were about energy prices. An estimated 75.8% of businesses were very or somewhat concerned about energy prices, with this share rising to 95.5% for businesses in the Transport & Storage sector. Note that the majority of responses to the BICS were received before the July 2026 energy price cap announcement on 27 May. Data on concern about energy prices can be found in the ‘EnergyPricesConcern’ table in the Business insights and conditions in Scotland - data to Wave 157 - tables - time series Excel workbook.

In the period 18 May to 31 May 2026 (Wave 157), businesses were also asked how concerned they were about increases in fuel prices. An estimated 74.5% of businesses were very or somewhat concerned about fuel prices, with this share rising to 91.3% for businesses in the Construction sector and 96.2% for businesses in the Transport & Storage sector. Data on concern about increases in fuel prices can be found in the ‘FuelPricesConcern’ table in the Business insights and conditions in Scotland - data to Wave 157 - tables - time series Excel workbook.