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Market Mood – October 2026
August 24, 2026
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Key Statistics at a Glance
BUSINESS CONFIDENCE
67
/ 100
▲ +8 pts vs last month
Highest reading since December 2024. Driven by consumer spending stability.
REVENUE OUTLOOK
61
%
▲ +5% vs last month
Respondents expecting revenue growth over the next 6 months.
HIRING OUTLOOK
58
%
▲ +14% vs last month
Businesses planning headcount additions in Q3 2026.
GROWTH EXPECTATIONS
72
%
▲ +9% vs last month
Members reporting positive growth trajectory vs. same period last year.
Survey Findings
Business Confidence Trend
January - June 2026 (score out of 100)
Confidence by Sector
Confidence vs. Revenue outlook scores
Businesses expecting to invest in technology
74%
Reporting supply chain improvement
42%
Concerned about skills shortage
68%
Key Insights
Confidence at 18-month High
Business confidence reached 67/100 in June - the highest reading since December 2024, driven by easing inflation and steady consumer spending.
Hiring Intentions Strengthening
58% of respondents plan to add headcount in Q3, up from 44% in Q1. The shift is most pronounced in professional services and tech.
Cost Pressures Persist
Despite improved confidence, 71% cite operational costs as their primary concern, with energy and logistics pricing remaining elevated.
Export Optimism Rising
Businesses with international exposure report the strongest sentiment, benefiting from currency movements and recovering overseas demand.
Community Sentiment
Selected anonymous responses from our survey - providing the voice behind the data.
“
“We've seen a genuine uptick in enquiries. The first half of 2026 has surprised us on the upside.”
– Retail business owner, 12 employees
“
“The cost of credit is still a headwind, but demand from clients hasn't softened as much as we feared.”
– Financial services firm, anonymous
“
“Hiring the right talent remains our biggest constraint - the skills gap in tech is very real.”
– Manufacturing SME, 45 employees
Closing Summary & Outlook
Cautious Optimism with Enduring Headwinds
The overall picture is one of genuine, if measured, optimism. Business confidence is at its strongest in 18 months, hiring intentions are improving, and growth expectations are broadly positive across most sectors.
However, cost pressures - particularly around energy, logistics, and skilled labour - remain a significant constraint. Looking ahead, we expect confidence to hold steady, contingent on no further interest rate surprises.
However, cost pressures - particularly around energy, logistics, and skilled labour - remain a significant constraint. Looking ahead, we expect confidence to hold steady, contingent on no further interest rate surprises.
Jason Arthur
Jason Arthur is a published author and marketing consultant who teaches, coaches & consults in the area of digital marketing. Of late, he and his team of programmers have started immersing themselves in the world of artificial intelligence as he knows this is where the world is heading.
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