South Yorkshire Chambers Begin Fieldwork for Quarterly Economic Survey

5th November 2025

The South Yorkshire Chambers of Commerce (Doncaster, Sheffield and Barnsley & Rotherham) have begun fieldwork for their latest Quarterly Economic Survey, which includes series of questions focused on supply chains and Defence.

The survey is a key initiative that allows businesses across the region to share their experiences and provides vital evidence for crafting an economic policy which supports South Yorkshire’s businesses.

The Quarterly Economic Survey is the UK’s biggest and longest-running business survey, giving a real-time snapshot of trading conditions, workforce pressures, investment plans, and business confidence. The survey gathers insights from businesses of all sizes and sectors, helping to track trends in sales performance, investment intentions, recruitment, and overall confidence. Findings feed into the British Chambers of Commerce’s national survey, ensuring South Yorkshire’s best interest is represented in national economic decision-making.

Sponsored by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, the QES provides the Mayor Coppard’s Business Advisory Board with insights to guide regional growth. By combining insight from leaders in various sectors, the Board uses the survey data to tackle productivity challenges, shape investment decisions, and make sure South Yorkshire businesses are at the heart of policy and strategy.

This quarter features a dedicated section on supply chain pressures and the Defence sector, following The South Yorkshire Defence Growth Deal, a £250 million investment aimed at boosting the region's economy by leveraging its strengths in defence manufacturing, research, and engineering.

Dan Fell MBE, Chief Executive of Doncaster Chamber of Commerce, said

" The QES is a vital tool for understanding the real challenges and opportunities facing businesses in Doncaster. Every part of our region should feel the benefits of growth-driving initiatives and partnerships, yet too often SMEs tell me they struggle to get a foot in the door when it comes to public sector and government procurement.

This quarter’s focus on supply chains and the Defence sector aims to uncover the barriers to better collaboration, and explore how we can harness the region’s defence and public sector capabilities to drive innovation and inclusive growth."

The Quarterly Economic Survey continues to track key indicators including sales performance, exports, recruitment challenges, investment intentions, and overall business confidence. By comparing this quarter’s results with previous data, the Chambers can assess how Doncaster and the wider region are progressing economically, ensuring support is targeted effectively and the needs of South Yorkshire remains represented in national policy discussions. Last quarter, which focused on AI, revealed a stabilisation of economic conditions despite continued concern about corporate taxation and inflation

Louisa Harrison-Walker OBE, Chief Executive of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, and Co-Chair of Mayor Coppard’s Business Advisory Board said

"The region’s Defence Growth Deal has so much potential to drive growth that is rooted in the region’s strengths. By taking part in the QES, businesses in Sheffield and across South Yorkshire have a real opportunity to influence the decisions that affect their future. The insights gathered help shape targeted policies, investment plans, and initiatives that strengthen the region’s economic growth."

The South Yorkshire Chambers are calling on all businesses, Chamber members or not, to take part in the QES, as it is designed to be relevant and accessible to all businesses. Greater participation creates more reliable insights, allowing policymakers and support services to make better-informed decisions that truly meet the needs of local businesses.

Carrie Sudbury, Chief Executive of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said

“Every business voice matters and by filling in the QES it helps to ensure the results reflect the full diversity of South Yorkshire’s economy.

Defence and public sector procurement might sound niche, but it affects a huge range of businesses from manufacturers and tech firms to logistics and professional services, all with the potential to play a role in secondary supply chains. By understanding where the barriers lie, we can help more SMEs access opportunities through major public bodies such as the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Justice, and the NHS, ensuring our regional economy grows from the ground up.”

Once completed, the results will be presented to local partners, including South Yorkshire’s Mayoral Combined Authority and the Mayor’s Business Advisory Board, as well as being fed into national policy channels including the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee. The full survey will open on 10 November and remains live until 8^th  December. Responses are completely confidential and only take a few minutes to complete.

To participate or learn more, visit your local Chamber of Commerce website.