Independent Business Outlook 2026
A survey of owner-managed businesses on trading conditions, costs, investment intentions and the support they consider most useful.
Area of focus
Independent business
Independent businesses account for a substantial share of British commercial life, yet their perspective is often under-represented. BCFI gives particular attention to the conditions they face and the contribution they make.
Research
Insights & commentary
The high street and the independent trader
Independent businesses remain central to the character of Britain’s town centres. Their resilience deserves closer attention.
Cameron Batt
Technology adoption in smaller firms: a practical view
For smaller businesses, the question is rarely whether to adopt new technology, but how to do so without disrupting the customer relationship.
Cameron Batt