Business Insights and Conditions in Scotland (wave 160): 30 July 2026

Business Concerns

In the period 6 July to 19 July 2026 (Wave 160), the BICS asked businesses about their main concern for August 2026.

Figure 1: The top concern for businesses for August 2026 was falling demand (17.4%), followed by worker shortages (11.9%); although an estimated 15.6% of businesses had no concerns.

Estimated share of businesses by main concern for August 2026. Businesses not permanently stopped trading, with 10+ employees and a presence in Scotland. Wave 160 (6 July to 19 July 2026).

Source: BICS weighted Scotland estimates - data to Wave 160 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 1 data see table ‘BusinessConcern’.

In the period 6 July to 19 July 2026 (Wave 160), businesses were asked how concerned they were about energy prices. An estimated 72.9% of businesses were very or somewhat concerned about energy prices, with this share rising to 83.0% for businesses in the Accommodation & Food Services sector and 84.6% 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 160 - tables - time series Excel workbook.

In the period 6 July to 19 July 2026 (Wave 160), businesses were also asked how concerned they were about increases in fuel prices. An estimated 70.5% of businesses were very or somewhat concerned about increases in fuel prices, with this share rising to 87.3% for businesses in the Transport & Storage sector and 91.3% 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 160 - tables - time series Excel workbook.