Falling demand and energy prices are the top concerns for Scottish businesses heading into October, according to the latest Business Insights and Conditions Survey estimates published by the Scottish Government. The figures cover businesses with 10 or more employees surveyed between 7 and 20 September 2026.
Energy and fuel
An estimated 16.3% of firms named falling demand as their main concern and 12.1% named energy prices, while 14.7% reported no concerns. Overall, 73.3% were very or somewhat concerned about energy prices, rising above 80% in construction and in transport and storage. Some 72.6% were worried about fuel prices, reaching 90.8% in construction.
Prices and turnover
About 23.8% of businesses said the prices they paid rose in August compared with July, and 8% raised their own prices. An estimated 14.3% expect to increase prices in October, citing labour costs and energy as the main reasons. Around 26.3% reported higher turnover in August than in July, broadly in line with recent months.
About the data
The survey estimates are weighted official statistics and subject to sampling uncertainty. Full tables are in the linked publication.
