Business Insights and Conditions in Scotland (wave 164): 1 October 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 23.8% of businesses the prices of goods or services bought in August 2026 increased compared with July 2026, and 8.0% 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 164 (7 September to 20 September 2026).

Source: BICS weighted Scotland estimates - data to Wave 164 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 2 data see tables ‘PricesBoughtChange’ and ‘PricesSoldChange’.

In September 2026, businesses were asked what their expectations were for the prices of goods or services sold in October 2026. An estimated 14.3% of businesses were expecting to increase prices in October 2026.

Figure 3: Labour costs and energy prices were the top factors reported by businesses for considering price increases, reported by 31.3% and 30.5% of businesses, respectively.

Estimated share of businesses by factors causing business to consider raising prices in October 2026. Businesses not permanently stopped trading, with 10+ employees and a presence in Scotland. Wave 164 (7 September to 20 September 2026).

Source: BICS weighted Scotland estimates - data to Wave 164 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 3 data see table ‘PriceFactors’.