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

Prices

The BICS asks businesses that have not permanently stopped trading (i.e. ‘Currently Trading’ or ‘Paused Trading’) about how the prices of materials, goods and services bought and sold compare with the previous calendar month.

Figure 2: For an estimated 29.1% of businesses the prices of goods or services bought in June 2026 increased compared with May 2026, and 11.2% increased the prices of goods and services they sold.

Estimated share of businesses experiencing increased prices (of goods or services bought or of goods or services sold). Businesses not permanently stopped trading, with 10+ employees and a presence in Scotland. Applicable waves 55 (19 April to 1 May 2022) to 160 (6 July to 19 July 2026).

Source: BICS weighted Scotland estimates - data to Wave 160 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 2 data see tables ‘PricesBoughtChange’ and ‘PricesSoldChange’.

In July 2026, businesses were asked what their expectations were for the prices of goods or services sold in August 2026. An estimated 12.1% of businesses were expecting to increase prices in August 2026.

Figure 3: Labour costs and energy prices were the top factors reported by businesses for considering price increases, reported by 30.9% and 27.6% of businesses, respectively.

Estimated share of businesses by factors causing business to consider raising prices in 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 3 data see table ‘PriceFactors’.