Business Insights and Conditions in Scotland (wave 163): 10 September 2026

Supply Chain Concern

In the period 17 August to 30 August 2026 (Wave 163), the BICS asked businesses about supply chain concerns over the next 12 months. An estimated 44.9% of businesses had some form of concern about their supply chains.

Figure 3: In August 2026, the top supply chain concern for businesses was international conflict (28.4%), followed by shipping disruption (23.1%). An estimated 38.4% of businesses had no supply chain concerns.

Estimated share of businesses by supply chain concern over the next 12 months. Businesses not permanently stopped trading, with 10+ employees and a presence in Scotland. Wave 163 (17 August to 30 August 2026).

Source: BICS weighted Scotland estimates - data to Wave 163 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 3 data see table ‘SupplyChainConcerns’.

In the period 17 August to 30 August 2026 (Wave 163), businesses were asked how concerned they were about energy prices. An estimated 75.8% of businesses were very or somewhat concerned about energy prices, with this share higher for businesses in the Wholesale/Retail (79.5%), Construction (82.5%), Transport & Storage (83.0%) and Manufacturing (83.9%) sectors. Data on concern about energy prices can be found in the ‘EnergyPricesConcern’ table in the Business insights and conditions in Scotland - data to Wave 163 - tables - time series Excel workbook.

In the period 17 August to 30 August 2026 (Wave 163), businesses were also asked how concerned they were about increases in fuel prices. An estimated 73.6% of businesses were very or somewhat concerned about increases in fuel prices, with this share rising to above 80% for businesses in the Manufacturing, Transport & Storage and Construction sectors. 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 163 - tables - time series Excel workbook.