London Business Publications

The latest survey is a flashing warning light from London’s business community, highlighting a business environment that is struggling to generate the conditions needed for growth. Cost pressures remain acute, demand is weak, confidence is subdued, and businesses continue to report negative cashflow. At the same time, investment intentions and recruitment activity remain limited.

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The total sample size was 512 senior decision-makers in London businesses. Fieldwork was undertaken between 6 May and 3 June 2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of private-sector London businesses by size and industry.

After a challenging end to 2025, London businesses entered the new year on a more stable course. However, this does not signal a return to growth. The current situation suggests that early signs of stabilisation are now under threat, as businesses continue to operate in an environment defined by high costs and ongoing uncertainty, further exacerbated by geopolitical shocks. 

This quarter’s fieldwork was conducted by Savanta between 26 January and 3 March 2026. A total of 505 London business leaders were surveyed, with data weighted to reflect the capital’s business population by size and sector.

The final quarter of 2025 proved to be a testing period for London businesses. The Budget was widely seen as an opportunity for the government to provide much-needed certainty, and yet the only certainty delivered was higher costs. The Employment Rights Bill compounded existing concerns, leaving the business community without the stability it has long called for in order to take risks, invest, hire and expand.

This quarter’s fieldwork was conducted by Savanta between 17 October and 15 December 2025. A total of 504 London business leaders were surveyed, with data weighted to reflect the capital’s business population by size and sector.

While the World Trade Organisation has upped slightly its forecast of a drop of 0.2% in goods trade made shortly after the first big US retaliatory tariff announcement in April, to now a positive rise of 0.9%, this is still way below its original estimate of 2.7%. 

This quarter’s fieldwork was conducted by Savanta between 9 July and 4 August 2025. A total of 505 London business leaders were surveyed, with data weighted to reflect the capital’s business population by size and sector. 

Sponsored by: HaysMac

This report explores the state of commercial retrofitting of buildings in London, revealing low uptake despite its critical role in achieving net-zero goals. It highlights barriers such as finance, regulation, and skills shortages, especially for SMEs, and offers strategic recommendations on how London businesses can scale retrofit delivery through policy alignment, workforce development, and innovative funding models.

The Q2 2025 results offer tentative evidence of recovery, but the uneven nature of this rebound raises pressing questions towards London’s long-term competitiveness. 

This quarter’s fieldwork was conducted by Savanta between 17 April and 22 May 2025. A total of 506 London business leaders were surveyed, with data weighted to reflect the capital’s business population by size and sector. 

Sponsored by: HaysMac

In this report, the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce jointly present a set of five strategic asks to the UK government aimed at boosting business growth and economic development in London and Edinburgh, the economic powerhouses of the United Kingdom.

Our Q1 2025 Quarterly Economic Survey reveals a nuanced economic landscape for London businesses. Internal company prospects remain positive, with decision-makers expressing cautious confidence despite a moderation from the high levels seen earlier in the year. Savanta surveyed a total of 506 London business leaders between 23 January and 20 February 2025. All data was weighted to be representative of all London businesses by company size and broad industry sector.

Sponsored by: HaysMac