Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce has released the region’s first ever Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), revealing that Ayrshire firms are facing sharper tax, inflation and cost pressures than the UK average, while still demonstrating resilience and a strong commitment to productivity and innovation.
Drawing on responses from 115 employers representing over 18,000 jobs, the survey establishes Ayrshire’s first regional economic baseline using the British Chambers of Commerce methodology.
Rising Costs Tighten the Squeeze
Ayrshire firms report sharper cost pressures than the UK as a whole:
69% cite taxation as a growing concern.
65% highlight inflation.
Labour (79%), utilities (67%) and raw materials (48%) are major contributors to rising costs.
Cashflow remains fragile: only 16% of Ayrshire firms reported improvement compared with 23% nationally, while 38% saw a decline.
Recruitment Difficulties Continue
Skills shortages remain a significant drag on growth, with 74% of firms attempting to hire experiencing difficulty – particularly for skilled technical and professional roles.
Demand Holds Steady – Demonstrating Resilience
Despite the difficult environment, domestic sales and orders remain broadly stable and largely mirror the UK picture. Overseas sales performance is softer (17% reporting growth compared with 24% nationally), but most firms continue to hold steady in international markets.
Prices Set to Rise – Driven by Costs, Not Margin
Nearly six in ten Ayrshire businesses expect to raise prices in the next quarter – a higher proportion than the UK average – driven primarily by cost pressures rather than profit‑seeking.
Businesses Prioritising Productivity and Improvement
While almost a quarter of Ayrshire businesses list survival as a priority, the survey shows a stronger emphasis on increasing productivity, improving efficiency, reducing costs and innovating.
Many firms are focused on adopting technology, enhancing customer experience, building partnerships and entering new markets. This reflects a business community that is not only navigating pressures but actively seeking ways to strengthen performance and competitiveness.
Innovation Highlights Long-Term Confidence
More than half of Ayrshire businesses are adopting digital tools or innovation, with AI, automation, CRM systems and digital platforms among the most commonly cited. Despite financial pressures:
1 in 4 firms increased training investment
22% increased investment in equipment or technology
These actions signal long-term confidence and ambition.
Across all levels of government, Ayrshire businesses consistently highlight the need for:
Relief from employment and tax costs
Business rates reform
Investment in skills, infrastructure and planning capacity
Claire Baird, CEO of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, said:
“Ayrshire has the ingredients of a high-performing regional economy – talent, strong businesses and significant strategic assets. But this survey shows that too many firms are being held back by rising costs and uncertainty rather than competing on opportunity and innovation.
None of these challenges are insurmountable, but businesses need stability and practical action now. Give businesses the right conditions, and they will deliver the growth our region is capable of.”
A Strong Foundation for Future Growth
This inaugural Ayrshire QES provides robust evidence for shaping policy, targeting support, and strengthening Ayrshire’s voice across Scotland and the UK. While pressures are real, the findings reveal an adaptable, innovative and ambitious business community committed to succeeding.
