Businesses across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire are being asked to share their views on trading conditions and business confidence as the latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) gets underway.
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is inviting organisations of all sizes and sectors to take part in the Q4 2026 survey by Friday, 4 December.
The call comes against a backdrop of continued economic uncertainty, with businesses facing inflationary pressures, rising energy costs and higher employment expenses.
The QES is conducted every three months by all 51 UK Chambers of Commerce and has been running since 1989.
It is the UK’s longest-running independent survey of business sentiment and its findings are used by organisations including the Bank of England.
In the last year, QES responses have picked up a slowdown in business confidence, with labour costs and energy costs ranked as the top two pressures forcing businesses to raise prices
Results from the third quarter of 2026 showed a noticeable drop in the number of businesses planning to recruit new staff, as well as more businesses reporting a reduction in workforce.
The QES also found that there had been a rise in the number of businesses reporting a growth in domestic sales, offset by a fall in the number of businesses reporting higher overseas sales.
Declan Riddell, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “As we reach the end of what has been a turbulent year for business, we’re keen to hear more about business confidence levels.
“During 2026, businesses have battled inflationary pressures against the backdrop of global conflicts and threats of a trade war.
“Businesses who share their experiences in the latest QES will help us build a picture of business confidence here in Staffordshire.”
