The latest survey ran between October and November 2021, with questions relating to the July to September (Q3) 2021 period.

Thank you to those who participated in the survey.

Key findings from the latest survey

• The summer of 2021 brought improvements for many Buckinghamshire businesses following the end of COVID-19 restrictions.
• Trading difficulties continued for some, amid disruption to supply chains, reduced labour availability and rising costs.
• Trading conditions are 'worse than normal' between July and September for just under a third of businesses
• Improvements to order books / pipeline, turnover and profits compared to the previous quarter.
• Costs had increased for over half of responding firms - supply chain disruption and shocks to fuel and energy prices among the factors.
• The main causes of the extra costs were attributed to COVID-19 (45% of businesses), and the end of the EU transition period (31%).
• Nearly a quarter (22%) of businesses surveyed have experienced a large increase in costs associated with increased red tape.
• As a result of extra costs, 53% of businesses have or will increase prices, either in the short, medium or long term.
• Increased recruitment difficulties and reduced staff retention are occurring in Buckinghamshire, as reflected nationwide.
• For some businesses, repayments of COVID-19 Bounce Back Loans are now due. Of concern is whether these debt repayments amount to a significant proportion of business turnover going into an uncertain Christmas period.

Download report here >

Previous Business Barometer results

Read previous survey results below:

• Q2 2021 - Business Barometer
• Q1 2021 - Business Barometer

Want to learn more about the Business Barometer?

For further information about the Buckinghamshire Business Barometer, contact James Moorhouse, Economic and Labour Market Analyst, Buckinghamshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP):

• 01494 418415
• james.moorhouse@buckslep.co.uk

Every quarter, the survey findings are shared directly with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to help inform central government policy decisions.

The survey is run by Buckinghamshire Business First and Buckinghamshire Local Enterprise Partnership.