As the strong voice of Highland business, one of our key roles is to lobby effectively on matters that are important to our members and businesses across the Highlands & Islands. As a truly independent organisation, we are uniquely placed to comment swiftly with insight and authority.
Our Chief Executive leads this activity for us, actively engaging with all forms of media and politicians from across the political spectrum. Working closely with other Chambers of Commerce across the region, policy colleagues from Scottish Chambers of Commerce and British Chambers of Commerce means that we can press the case for business locally, within Scotland and at a UK level. Our numerous and regular business articles give a further opportunity for our business voice to be heard.
We make sure your voice is heard on what matters most to your business. Our Executive Partners particularly benefit from our close support and input in this area.
Quarterly Economic Indicator (QEI)
The QEI is Scotland’s longest-running business survey of its kind, run by Scottish Chambers of Commerce in partnership with the esteemed Fraser of Allander Institute. It plays an essential role in setting the business agenda and informing the most senior levels of government and policy making of the needs of local Chambers and their members.
The short survey enables Scottish businesses to share their views on current trading conditions and highlight ongoing challenges and opportunities in the Scottish economy.
In turn, these inform your local and national Chamber of Commerce’s representations, to both your local and nationally elected representatives and Scottish and UK Government Officials, from the First Minister to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, allowing us to campaign and influence effectively on the issues that matter to your business and our community.
The latest survey (Quarter 2 2025) received widespread coverage in the national media, revealing the swift and widespread impact of April’s National Insurance hike with businesses across all sectors feeling the strain. In addition, it showed that while confidence and sales have improved over the quarter, ongoing cost pressures and concerns continue to subdue growth and investment.
Key findings include:
- Concern from taxation has risen by 40% in one year, with 70% of all firms citing increased concern from taxation, compared to 50% in Q2 2024.
- Significant challenges around cashflow and profits, despite positive sales trends across the board. On balance, both cashflow and profits have seen contraction over the quarter.
- The number of firms expecting to raise their prices next quarter has risen to 65%, compared to 50% in Q2 2024.
- Pressure from labour costs has risen by 15% in one year. Nearly 9 in 10 (86%) firms were experiencing increased pressure from labour costs, compared to 75% for the same quarter last year.
- Staff hiring stalled as over half of all firms (55%) reported no changes to staff levels and 65% expect no change next quarter.