How's Business 2026

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026

In January 2026, 50% of all businesses reported level or increased visitor/customer numbers compared to January 2025, whilst the same proportion said the same for their turnover. The estimated actual decreases for visitors/customers and turnover for the month were -5% and -4% respectively. February 2026 showed a similar performance with 50% of all businesses reporting level or increased visitor/customer numbers compared to February 2025, whilst 49% said the same for their turnover. The estimated actual decreases for visitors/customers and turnover for the month were -6% each.

While a small number of businesses report pockets of optimism for the coming season - with some seeing encouraging signs of staycation demand driven by geopolitical uncertainty abroad and others noting that last-minute bookings remain a familiar pattern - concerns over rising business costs, particularly energy/fuel costs, are being felt by the majority of businesses.
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