cover image: Scottish Business Monitor Q3 2024

Scottish Business Monitor Q3 2024

17 Oct 2024

This report summarises the key results from our latest Fraser of Allander Institute (FAI) Scottish Business Monitor.The survey sampled over 350 firms in August and September from across the Scottish economy, examining business sentiment in Q3 2024 and the outlook for the year ahead.In Q3 2024, business sentiment remains consistently positive. Firms are reporting an increase in employment levels, and cost pressures are easing. Recent interest rate cuts are helping a more favourable climate for investment, leading to a noticeable reduction in the challenges businesses are facing compared to this time last year.Despite these positive indicators, some challenges remain. Ongoing issues related to exports, investment, staff availability, and rising employee costs continue to pose significant hurdles for businesses. Consequently, while growth expectations are encouraging, they are somewhat tempered by these persistent concerns. As a result, one in four firms are now expecting modest growth in the Scottish economy over the coming year.Our latest results also show that:
  • Scottish businesses continue to show steady confidence in their activity levels for the next six months, with expectations for business volume holding firm at a net balance of 16 to 17.

Authors

Joao Sousa, Brodie Gillan

Related Organizations

Pages
10
Project
Scottish Business Monitor
Published in
United Kingdom

Table of Contents