How's Business 2026

APRIL 2026

In April 2026, 58% of all businesses reported decreased visitor/customer numbers compared to April 2025, whilst 52% said the same for their turnover and most likely as a result of the timing of Easter and school holidays along with the difference in weather between the two years. The overall decreases estimated were -5% for visitors/customers and -4% for turnover compared with April 2025.

Concerns over the increases in other business costs (71%, an increase of 13% compared with last month) was the number one concern amongst businesses this month. This was followed by rising energy/fuel costs (66%, a decrease of 10% compared with last month), increases in the cost of living generally (62%, a decrease of 2% compared with last month) and decreasing visitor numbers / booking levels (60%, no change compared with last month).

Despite the ongoing challenging operating climate, some businesses did report that they have seen some good trading periods over Easter and a boost from the sunny weather conditions in May. There are also signs of resilience amongst some operators with late bookings helping to fill previously quiet periods and some businesses expecting their summer performance to match or slightly exceed last year.

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MARCH 2026

In March 2026, 52% of all businesses reported decreased visitor/customer numbers compared to March 2025 whilst, in contrast, 57% said their turnover had increased (33%) or remained the same (24%) compared with the same time last year.  

For April 2026 53% of respondents expect their booking levels to be worse than during the previous year, 49% said the same for the Whitsun half term week and 66% for the month of May.  At 5.10 out of 10.00 however, the overall optimism score increased slightly compared to last month.

Concerns over rising energy/fuel costs remains the number one concern amongst businesses cited by 76% of businesses (the same proportion as last month).  This was followed by increases in the cost of living generally (64%, a decrease of 3% compared with last month), decreasing visitor numbers / booking levels (60%, a decrease of 7% compared with last month) and the increases in other business costs (58%, a decrease of 9% compared with last month).

Despite the overall very challenging operating climate, some businesses did report strong Easter trading and, encouragingly, some newer businesses are establishing themselves and maintaining a forward-looking outlook, while others remain cautiously optimistic that favourable weather and a strong summer season could help recovery.

The comments this month however continue to reveal a number of significant challenges with the most prominent being the impact of rising costs, including energy, wages, business rates and general inflation.

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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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