Activities per year
Abstract
This report outlines the key results from our latest Fraser of Allander Institute (FAI) Scottish Business Monitor in the fourth quarter of 2024.
The survey sampled over 300 firms in December and January from across the Scottish economy, examining business sentiment in Q4 2024 and the outlook for the year ahead.
At the end of calendar year 2024, business confidence remains pessimistic. Firms surveyed reported decline in business activity – both volume and sales in the last three months of 2024. Firms also reported a decline in the level of export activity and new capital investment despite central bank monetary easing which is gradually easing credit conditions in the economy.
Changes announced in the UK Government Budget pertaining to employer NICs contributions are particularly weighing on the business environment- with three quarters of businesses surveyed indicating that these changes are expected to significantly impact their operations in 2025. Cost pressures also remain a lingering and ongoing concern with 94 per cent of businesses surveyed expect higher total business costs over the first half of 2025.
The survey sampled over 300 firms in December and January from across the Scottish economy, examining business sentiment in Q4 2024 and the outlook for the year ahead.
At the end of calendar year 2024, business confidence remains pessimistic. Firms surveyed reported decline in business activity – both volume and sales in the last three months of 2024. Firms also reported a decline in the level of export activity and new capital investment despite central bank monetary easing which is gradually easing credit conditions in the economy.
Changes announced in the UK Government Budget pertaining to employer NICs contributions are particularly weighing on the business environment- with three quarters of businesses surveyed indicating that these changes are expected to significantly impact their operations in 2025. Cost pressures also remain a lingering and ongoing concern with 94 per cent of businesses surveyed expect higher total business costs over the first half of 2025.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Place of Publication | Glasgow |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Publication status | Published - 7 Feb 2025 |
Keywords
- economic activity
- scottish business
Access to Document
Other files and links
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'Scottish Business Monitor, 2024 Q4'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Activities
- 2 Media Participation
-
Business confidence struggling amidst weak economy and policy changes
Suri, S. (Contributor) & Sousa, J. (Contributor)
7 Feb 2025Activity: Public Engagement and Outreach › Media Participation
-
Business confidence struggling amidst weak economy and policy changes
Suri, S. (Contributor) & Sousa, J. (Contributor)
7 Feb 2025Activity: Public Engagement and Outreach › Media Participation