Industry polling

Independent Business Outlook 2026

A survey of owner-managed businesses on trading conditions, costs, investment intentions and the support they consider most useful.

Published: 8 July 2026
Authors: Cameron Batt
Topics: Independent business, Business confidence, British business

Download report (PDF) Key findings

TemplateThis is an illustrative report demonstrating the research template. Its figures are placeholders and are not published survey results.

Introduction

Independent businesses are central to local economies across the United Kingdom. This report draws on polling of owner-managers to understand how they view current trading conditions and their plans for the year ahead.

Key findings

describe trading conditions as more difficult than a year ago: 49%describe trading conditions as more difficult than a year ago
cite operating costs as their most significant pressure: 3 in 5cite operating costs as their most significant pressure
plan to invest in new equipment or technology this year: 36%plan to invest in new equipment or technology this year
intend to increase staff numbers: 22%intend to increase staff numbers

Charts & data

Figure 1

Most significant pressures on the business

Share of owner-managers selecting each as one of their top two pressures.

View data table

Most significant pressures on the business
Response	Value
Operating costs	61%
Business rates and taxation	44%
Consumer demand	37%
Recruitment and skills	26%
Access to finance	15%

Source: BCFI industry polling (illustrative data)

Methodology

Sample: Owner-managers, <50 employees
Method: Online polling, weighted
Fieldwork: May–June 2026

Polling was conducted among owners and senior managers of independent businesses with fewer than 50 employees in the United Kingdom. Results are weighted by sector and region.

Full report