Black Country businesses urged to complete vital survey as Government's Spring Forecast looms
Black Country businesses are urged to complete a vital economic survey that could directly influence government policy decisions affecting companies in the region.
The Black Country Chamber of Commerce is calling on firms of all sizes and across all sectors to complete its Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) for Q1 2026 before it closes on Friday March 6.
Sarah Moorhouse, chief executive of the Chamber which represents businesses across Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton, said: "The QES is a really important tool we have in our armoury to influence decisions which affect businesses across our region.
"With the Chancellor's Spring Statement on March 3 fast approaching, it’s a great time to remind businesses that the QES is a way they can make their voices heard. The results from this first survey of 2026 will give us a vital snapshot of how businesses are performing right now and will help shape the conversations we have with policymakers throughout the year.
"We need to hear from businesses across all sectors. The more businesses that take part, the stronger our regional voice becomes in the corridors of power.
"Our Q4 2025 results showed that taxation and inflation remain amongst the biggest concerns for firms, with rising labour costs and utility prices continuing to squeeze businesses. These are exactly the kinds of pressures that policymakers need to hear about directly from the people experiencing them."
The Q4 2025 survey revealed a mixed picture for Black Country businesses, with 27 per cent of firms reporting an increase in domestic sales, while 47 per cent expect turnover to improve over the next 12 months. Recruitment remains a challenge, with 48 per cent of firms attempting to recruit and the majority experiencing difficulties finding skilled and technical staff.
Results from the QES are closely watched by both the Treasury and the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee, helping to inform decisions on interest rates and business policy.
The survey has also reliably anticipated the onset of recessions before they began, making it one of the most authoritative indicators of economic performance at both regional and national level.
Sarah added: "It only works if businesses take part. Three minutes, which is the average time it takes to fill in the survey, could help shape the decisions that determine not only the future of our regional economy, but what businesses will be facing in the year ahead."
The Q1 2026 survey is open now (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5TFSWTG) and closes on March 6.
