Octopus Energy, Scottish Business Survey, February 2025
Stratcom UK and Diffley Partnership were recently commissioned by Octopus Energy to conduct a Scotland-wide business survey examining the impact of energy costs on investment, recruitment, and business sustainability. The survey sampled 234 Scottish businesses, across all sectors and sizes, aiming to provide critical insights into how rising energy costs shape business confidence, economic outlook, and workforce strategies.
The survey found that:
- Most Scottish businesses (88%) say that the rising cost of energy has had on impact on their business – with 62% of them saying it has had a significant impact.
- Workforce challenges, including recruitment and retention, are increasingly tied to energy-related financial pressures. 65% of respondents indicated that high energy costs have forced them to delay new hires.
- Businesses report growing uncertainty in investment and expansion plans due to energy costs. Survey responses reveal that 71% have reconsidered capital investment decisions due to energy price volatility.
- 64% of Scottish businesses support a move to locational pricing in the energy sector compared to just 14% who oppose it.
Methodology:
- Respondents selected from across all sectors of business and industry in Scotland.
- A sample of small, medium and large businesses. 18% of respondents came from businesses with over 1,000 employees.
- Online questionnaire.
- 234 respondents in total.
Brian Roy, Senior Associate at Stratcom UK said:
“Our survey for Octopus Energy, delivered in conjunction with the Diffley Partnership, found that rising energy costs are having a major impact on Scottish businesses, affecting jobs, investment, and pricing decisions. Businesses widely expect costs to continue rising, but there is strong agreement that lower energy prices would transform their ability to invest, grow, and create jobs, with broad support for reforms to the energy market.”
Email me at brian.roy@stratcomuk.com
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