Business Insights and Conditions in Scotland (wave 162): 27 August 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 26.3% of businesses the prices of goods or services bought in July 2026 increased compared with June 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 162 (3 August to 16 August 2026).

Source: BICS weighted Scotland estimates - data to Wave 162 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 2 data see tables ‘PricesBoughtChange’ and ‘PricesSoldChange’.

In August 2026, businesses were asked what their expectations were for the prices of goods or services sold in September 2026. An estimated 11.8% of businesses were expecting to increase prices in September 2026.

Figure 3: Labour costs and energy prices were the top factors reported by businesses for considering price increases, reported by 30.1% and 27.1% of businesses, respectively.

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