Press Release on the Autumn Survey of the German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce

According to the recent Autumn Survey of the German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce, 39% of respondents view their UK operations as performing positively or very positively, 40% as stable, and 21% as negative. These figures show a slight deterioration compared with the spring survey, suggesting that while sentiment remains generally positive, the economic environment has become more challenging for some. Consequently, the short-term outlook is less optimistic than six months ago. Now only 14% of firms expect the UK economy to improve over the next twelve months, while 42% anticipate sluggish performance.

The UK market’s importance remains a key driver of German investment in the country. However, investment plans within the German-British business community have been scaled back, with only about a quarter (down from one-third in spring) planning to expand activities in the next twelve months.

By a clear margin, our community believes that the UK Government’s top priority should be to continue improving relations with the European Union but measures to strengthen the UK’s regulatory competitiveness also remain vital for businesses.

The majority (54%) of companies are not currently affected by US trade policies – a slightly higher share than in spring – potentially indicating that more firms now focus solely on the British market, using the UK less as an international hub.

“Our members remain committed to the UK, even as the business environment becomes more challenging,” said Ulrich Hoppe, Director General of the German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce. “German companies continue to view the UK as a key market, but greater policy clarity – particularly regarding EU relations and regulatory alignment – will be crucial to sustaining growth and competitiveness.”

57 online interviews were conducted with members of the German-British business community with UK operations. The study was part of the World Business Outlook and conducted in conjunction with the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK). Fieldwork was conducted between 3 and 17 October 2025. The full results can be found here.