South Yorkshire Chambers Launch Next Quarterly Economic Survey as Region Calls for Stronger Support

9th February 2026

South Yorkshire’s three Chambers of Commerce, Sheffield, Doncaster, and Barnsley & Rotherham, are preparing to launch the next Quarterly Economic Survey following a challenging end to 2025.

South Yorkshire’s three Chambers of Commerce, Sheffield, Doncaster, and Barnsley & Rotherham, are preparing to launch the next Quarterly Economic Survey following a challenging end to 2025, as businesses across the region continue to call for clearer support and stronger intervention from local leadership.

The announcement follows last week’s You Said, We Did event, which brought together regional businesses with SYMCA and the Mayor’s Business Advisory Board. The session offered a timely chance to revisit two quarters of economic data, reflect on the actions taken so far, and outline the further support employers say they need as pressures on the local economy continue.

Businesses again raised concerns about access to public sector and defence supply chains, reporting that opportunities remain largely concentrated among major tier one contractors. Many SMEs described a lack of visibility, limited transparency and unclear entry points, which continue to restrict the ability of smaller firms to engage. AI adoption also emerged as a priority area, with employers requesting more practical support to understand new technologies and use them effectively. Many SMEs described a lack of visibility, limited transparency and unclear entry points, which continue to restrict the ability of smaller firms to engage. AI adoption also emerged as a priority area, with employers requesting more practical support to understand new technologies and use them effectively.

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

“Today’s event showed exactly why these conversations matter. Businesses were honest about the challenges they’re facing, and it’s our job to make sure their voices translate into real action. We’ll keep pushing for the support, clarity and ambition South Yorkshire firms deserve.”

While skills issues remain at the forefront, the event highlighted a significant rise in the importance of Social Value. Many businesses expressed a strong willingness to contribute more to local communities but said they lacked clarity around expectations, best practice and how social value activity can align with commercial opportunities. In response to the prominence of this theme, the next Quarterly Economic Survey will place Social Value at its core, aiming to understand how businesses interpret it, the barriers they face, and the guidance they need to embed it confidently.

Louisa Harrison-Walker, Chief Executive of Sheffield Chamber, said:

“Social Value isn’t a ‘nice to have’ anymore, it’s a core part of how we build a stronger, fairer economy. Businesses want to play a meaningful role, and our job is to make sure they have the support and coordination to turn good intentions into real tangible impact for South Yorkshire.”

SYMCA outlined support already available, including Skills Bank, though many businesses emphasised that awareness of these programmes remains inconsistent. While long-term transport commitments such as Northern Powerhouse Rail offer cautious optimism, employers voiced concern that expectations around initiatives like Pathways to Work continue to rise despite ongoing economic pressures.

Fieldwork for the next Quarterly Economic Survey will run from 9 February to 9 March. The Chambers urge businesses of all sizes to participate, stressing that strong engagement is essential to building an accurate picture of current conditions and ensuring future policy reflects the lived experience of local employers.

Dan Fell, Chief Executive of Doncaster Chamber, said:

“The Quarterly Economic Survey is vital to building an accurate picture of the region’s business landscape. I encourage organisations across South Yorkshire to take part so we can ensure future decisions are grounded in real world insight.”

The Chambers reaffirmed their shared commitment to advocating for South Yorkshire businesses and ensuring regional decision making continues to be shaped by evidence, transparency and genuine engagement.