Annex 2: Methodology notes

The survey was conducted online by the British Chambers of Commerce between 11 April and 11 May 2023. 1,289 organisations from all business sectors, sizes, and UK regions and nations completed the survey online through the BCC’s in-house survey platform. Headline summary data (excluding all individual breakdowns by size or sector) have been weighted to better reflect the split between SMEs and large firms in the general UK business population, with the former making up 99% of the weighted sample.

The survey identified very large divergences between sectors and sizes across a number of key findings. This report has sought to draw out these divergences to better understanding the impact of current state of the labour market on different types of businesses, and avoid, where possible, an aggregate figure which may mask this.

Breakdown of responses by region and nation

Breakdown of responses by industry sector

30% of respondents said they were in the manufacturing sector. Within the ‘manufacturing’ category are four underlying sub-sectors: Construction; engineering, or trades; Agriculture, forestry, fishing, or mining; Utilities, waste, or energy supply; and Manufacturing

34% of respondents said they were in the business-to-business (B2B) service sector. Within the ‘B2B services’ category there are nine underlying sub-sectors: Transport, logistics, or storage; IT, data analysis, web or data services; Finance, accounting, or insurance; Real estate, property, or development; Legal services; Marketing, advertising, or communications; Pharmaceutical or scientific services; Admin, support, or consulting (e.g. recruitment, cleaning, leasing, training, call centres); and Other services

16% of respondents said they were in the business-to-consumer (B2C) sector. Within the ‘B2C services’ category there are three underlying sub-sectors: Arts, entertainment, or recreation; Retail or wholesale; and Hospitality, catering, or tourism

20% of respondents said they were in the public, health or third sector. Within the ‘public, health or third sector’ category are three underlying sub-sectors: Public administration or defence; Education; and Health, social work, or third sector.

Breakdown of size

36% of respondents were micro-organisations, with fewer than 10 employees; 28% were small organisations, with between 10 and 49 employees; 18% were medium sized organisations, with between 50 and 249 employees; and 18% were large organisations, with more than 250 employees.