Business Insights and Conditions in Scotland (wave 162): 27 August 2026

Business Concerns

In the period 3 August to 16 August 2026 (Wave 162), the BICS asked businesses about their main concern for September 2026.

Figure 1: The top concerns for businesses for September 2026 were falling demand (14.9%) and energy prices (14.6%); an estimated 13.4% of businesses had no concerns.

Estimated share of businesses by main concern for September 2026. Businesses not permanently stopped trading, with 10+ employees and a presence in Scotland. Wave 162 (3 August to 16 August 2026).

Source: BICS weighted Scotland estimates - data to Wave 162 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 1 data see table ‘BusinessConcern’.

In the period 3 August to 16 August 2026 (Wave 162), businesses were asked how concerned they were about energy prices. An estimated 76.4% of businesses were very or somewhat concerned about energy prices, with this share rising to 79.7% for businesses in the Transport & Storage sector and 81.7% for businesses in the Accommodation & Food Services 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 162 - tables - time series Excel workbook.

In the period 3 August to 16 August 2026 (Wave 162), businesses were also asked how concerned they were about increases in fuel prices. An estimated 73.5% of businesses were very or somewhat concerned about increases in fuel prices, with this share rising to 86.8% for businesses in the Construction sector and 90.7% 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 162 - tables - time series Excel workbook.