25 Years of the Scottish Business Monitor

Launched in 1998 and now in its 25th year, the Scottish Business Monitor is one of Scotland’s preeminent trackers of business sentiment and activity. The Scottish business survey is compiled by the Fraser of Allander Institute, an independent economics research institute at the University of Strathclyde, and is produced in partnership with Addleshaw Goddard, an international law firm.

Over 25 years, Scotland has experienced many ups and downs, with economic crises and periods of growth influenced by domestic and global economic conditions. Today, Scotland finds itself in yet another difficult economic period, following years of turmoil for businesses, including the UK's exit from the European Union, COVID-19, and now the cost-of-doing business crisis.

Despite these unprecedented challenges, the Scottish business base continues to show significant resilience.

In celebration of 100 business monitors, this report looks at the past 25 years of business in Scotland, highlighting how Scottish firms have coped with significant changes in the economic landscape, and analysing key business indicators.