Black Country businesses urged to have their say in key survey on economy

Black Country businesses are being urged to take part in a survey that will provide an early picture of the regional economy following the Budget.

Raj Kandola, who began his new role as chief executive of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce this month, says the organisation needs firms to share how they are performing, their confidence in the months ahead and the challenges they face.

The Chamber's latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) opens on November 9 and will help build a picture of how businesses are responding to the Government's latest economic measures.

Raj said: "We need businesses in Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton to be telling us what's happening in their sectors, in their companies, with their supply chain.

"We need to understand the pinch points so we can see what interventions are needed to support them and unlock growth."

The Chamber's previous survey, covering the third quarter of 2026, found that more than half of businesses (55 per cent) were experiencing difficulties recruiting staff, up from 45 per cent in the previous quarter.

The proportion of firms expecting turnover to improve over the next 12 months also fell, from 51 per cent to 49 per cent.

Inflation and taxation were among the biggest concerns, cited by 26 per cent and 23 per cent of businesses respectively. Rising labour costs and utility bills were also identified as major pressures.

Raj said: "Businesses are telling us the same things time and again: energy bills, recruitment and the rising cost of employing people are holding them back.

"We need the data and the evidence behind what they're saying so we can build that picture across the region.

"The Quarterly Economic Survey gives us that evidence. It is how we make the case to Government, the West Midlands Mayor and local councils for the support firms need to grow."

He said the survey would also help make the case for investment in manufacturing and the wider Black Country economy.

"We have a Government talking about reindustrialisation and bringing manufacturing back to the fore, and the Black Country should be at the front of that queue," he added.

The survey has been running since 1989 and is coordinated nationally by the British Chambers of Commerce. Its findings are used by organisations including the Treasury, the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee and the Office for Budget Responsibility.

Businesses of all sizes and across all sectors are encouraged to take part. The survey takes around three minutes to complete.

It opens on November 9. To take part, visit the Black Country Chamber of Commerce website.