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

The German-British business community continues to demonstrate resilience, but businesses are facing more challenging conditions, according to the recent Autumn Survey of the German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce. Improving UK-EU relations remains respondents’ leading policy priority, with 75% effectively endorsing the UK Prime Minister’s commitment to making this a central objective of his government.

Overall, 47% of respondents rate the performance of their UK operations positively, while 35% describe them as stable, with 18% reporting a negative performance. This represents a deterioration since spring, when 51% reported a positive performance and only 6% a negative assessment. Expectations for their own operations over the coming year have also become less optimistic.

Confidence in the wider UK economy has, however, improved over the past six months. Nevertheless, respondents remain cautious: 30% expect economic conditions to worsen, compared with only 20% anticipating an improvement.

Investment intentions present a mixed picture: Over the past six months the proportion of respondents planning to expand their activities has risen to 23% whilst on the contrary an increasing number (10%) are also scaling back investment or putting expansion plans on hold (7%). Employment expectations show an even sharper divergence. While 31% of companies intend to recruit additional employees over the coming year, unchanged from spring, the share anticipating staff reductions has risen significantly, from 8% to 27%.

Commenting on the findings, Dr Ulrich Hoppe, Director General of the German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce, said:

Many businesses continue to perform well, and the increase in planned expansion is encouraging. However, the sharp rise in companies expecting to reduce staffing levels points to growing pressure and uncertainty. Therefore, it is important to create conditions that give businesses confidence to invest and recruit. Closer relations with the EU remain central to this. Reducing barriers to trade and business mobility, alongside a more competitive regulatory framework, would help companies turn opportunities into growth."

60 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 19 and 23 October 2026.