Q1 2025 Quarterly Economic Survey Report

We are proud to have sponsored the Q1 2025 Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) Report, recently published by the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce (TVCC). This report follows the release of the national results by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), providing invaluable insights into the economic landscape.

The national Q1 2025 survey from the BCC highlights low business confidence following the Autumn Budget, with taxation emerging as the primary concern. This mirrors local sentiment, as reflected in the TVCC’s results, which also shows a decline in business confidence and continuing challenges in the regional economy.

Conducted between February 17 and March 10, 2025, the survey gathered valuable input from local businesses, focusing on key economic indicators to offer a clear snapshot of the region’s business climate.

Sue Staunton, Joint Managing Partner, commented: “There can be no doubt that we are in an uncertain economic and political environment. However, this quarter’s Survey gives us a picture fairly consistent with that revealed in the last quarter’s survey with one marked exception. This survey revealed that the biggest concern of businesses in the Thames Valley by a significant extent was that of taxation. Far more so than when taken in contrast to the national picture.”

Paul Britton, CEO of Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, commented: “The looming increase in National Insurance contributions has been a long-standing concern for businesses across the UK, and now in reality, it’s adding to the growing challenges that firms are already facing. According to the latest results, taxes continue to be the top concern for businesses, with many reporting plans to cut back on investment and raise prices just to stay afloat.”

Click here to download the report in full.