Quarterly Economic Survey Report Q3 2026

We are proud to have sponsored the Q3 2026 Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) Report, the UK's longest running and largest business sentiment survey, recently published by the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce (TVCC). This latest edition follows the release of the national results by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and provides a timely snapshot of business confidence and economic conditions across the Thames Valley.

The findings suggest that Thames Valley businesses remain resilient despite ongoing economic pressures. While inflation, taxation, business rates and labour costs continue to influence decision-making, there are encouraging signs of stability in sales performance, employment intentions and overall business confidence.

Key findings include:

• 35% of businesses reported increased UK sales, while 33% reported increased UK orders.
• 26% of firms increased their workforce over the past three months, with 28% expecting to grow employee numbers in the months ahead.
• 46% of businesses experienced difficulties finding suitable staff, particularly in professional, managerial and skilled technical roles.
• More than half of respondents continue to operate below full capacity.
• Investment intentions remain broadly stable, with many businesses maintaining spending on equipment and workforce development.
• Labour costs remain the biggest driver of price increases, alongside utilities, overheads and finance costs.
• Nearly half of businesses expect to increase prices over the next three months as cost pressures persist.

Paul Britton, CEO of Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, said: "Resilience is the word that best describes Thames Valley business this quarter. Firms are continuing to manage significant cost pressures while investing in their people and maintaining confidence in the future. However, skills shortages and wider economic uncertainty remain constraints on growth, reinforcing the need for continued collaboration between businesses, policymakers and education providers."

Darren O'Connor, Audit and Assurance Partner at James Cowper Kreston, commented: "The results of the Q3 2026 Quarterly Economic Survey show a Thames Valley business community that remains resilient and cautiously optimistic despite ongoing economic uncertainty. While cost pressures and skills shortages remain challenges, businesses across the region continue to demonstrate their ability to adapt and invest for the future."

The survey highlights both the adaptability and determination of Thames Valley businesses, while reinforcing the importance of addressing skills shortages, supporting investment and creating the conditions needed for sustainable growth across the region.

Thank you to all the businesses that participated in this quarter's survey and helped provide valuable insight into the state of the regional economy. The findings continue to ensure that the voice of Thames Valley businesses is heard by policymakers and key stakeholders alike.

Click here to download the QES Q3 2026 report in full.