UK firms brace for steeper costs and plan higher selling prices
Source: S&P Global, "UK business expectations recover in October, but cost pressures predicted to worsen", published 11 November 2026.
What the source says
UK firms' net optimism on business activity rose to +35% in October from +26% in June, led by services, while manufacturing only ticked up to +39% from +38%. Non-staff cost inflation expectations are the highest in four years, and selling-price expectations rose to +48%.
Allbase view
Price intentions across UK business are heading up, and manufacturers are barely more confident than in June. This is a survey of plans, not actual increases, but resin and coatings suppliers rarely absorb energy costs for long.
Our reading of the release, not a statement from the source. Checked against the release on 11 Nov 2026.
Figures from this release
- S&P Global UK business activity expectations net balance +35%, Oct 2026Net balance · Oct 202635%Up
- S&P Global UK manufacturing activity expectations net balance +39%, Oct 2026Net balance · Oct 202639%Up
- S&P Global UK selling-price expectations net balance +48%, Oct 2026Net balance · Oct 202648%Up
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