Business Insights and Conditions in Scotland (wave 158): 25 June 2026

Business Concerns

In the period 1 June to 14 June 2026 (Wave 158), the BICS asked businesses about their main concern for July 2026.

Figure 1: The top concern for businesses for July 2026 was falling demand (13.4%); although an estimated 17.3% of businesses had no concerns.

Estimated share of businesses by main concern for July 2026. Businesses not permanently stopped trading, with 10+ employees and a presence in Scotland. Wave 158 (1 June to 14 June 2026).

Source: BICS weighted Scotland estimates - data to Wave 158 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 1 data see table ‘BusinessConcern’.

In the period 1 June to 14 June 2026 (Wave 158), businesses were asked how concerned they were about energy prices. An estimated 73.1% of businesses were very or somewhat concerned about energy prices, with this share rising to 82.0% for businesses in the Accommodation & Food Services sector and 85.1% for businesses in the Transport & Storage sector. Data on concern about energy prices can be found in the ‘EnergyPricesConcern’ table in the Business insights and conditions in Scotland - data to Wave 158 - tables - time series Excel workbook.

In the period 1 June to 14 June 2026 (Wave 158), businesses were also asked how concerned they were about increases in fuel prices. An estimated 71.1% of businesses were very or somewhat concerned about fuel prices, with this share rising to 89.0% for businesses in the Transport & Storage sector and 89.8% for businesses in the Construction 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 158 - tables - time series Excel workbook.