South Yorkshire businesses urged to assess cyber resilience as Chambers launch latest Quarterly Economic Survey

Businesses across South Yorkshire are being encouraged to share their experiences as the region's Chambers of Commerce launch the latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES). 

Delivered by Doncaster Chamber, Sheffield Chamber and Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, the QES is the UK's largest and longest-running independent business survey, launching at a challenging time for many firms.  

Results from last quarter’s survey showed confidence levels had fallen to some of the lowest seen since the pandemic, as businesses continued to grapple with rising costs, recruitment pressures and ongoing economic uncertainty. 

Against this backdrop, this quarter's survey includes a spotlight on cyber security and the impact of AI and emerging technologies. With greater national focus on defence and resilience, the survey will help the Chambers understand the changing nature of cyber security and how prepared businesses feel to respond to emerging threats. While digital tools are helping organisations improve productivity and unlock growth, businesses are also facing increasingly sophisticated cyber risks and growing demand for the skills needed to adopt new technologies safely and effectively. 

Dan Fell MBE, Chief Executive of Doncaster Chamber, said: "Our last survey showed businesses facing some of the toughest conditions we've seen since the pandemic. While AI presents exciting opportunities for growth and productivity, it also creates new challenges around skills, cyber security and implementation. Understanding how prepared businesses feel to manage those risks is essential if we are to help them build resilience and confidence for the future." 

Louisa Harrison-Walker OBE, Chief Executive of Sheffield Chamber, said: "AI presents significant opportunities to boost productivity, improve efficiency and unlock growth, but successful adoption requires the right skills, knowledge and safeguards. As organisations such as the National Cyber Security Centre, BCC and the Government continue to develop programmes highlighting the importance of cyber resilience and responsible AI adoption, this survey will help us understand how prepared South Yorkshire businesses feel and where further support may be needed." 

Carrie Sudbury, Chief Executive of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, said: "Barnsley's status as the UK's first Tech Town reflects the opportunities presented in the region by digital innovation, but national research suggests many businesses are still not prepared for AI. This survey will help us understand what support firms need to build confidence, resilience and capability." 

Businesses of all sizes and sectors are encouraged to take part in the survey. The results are used almost daily by the Chambers in meetings with MPs, public sector leaders, and policy makers to press the case for a more business-friendly environment. Taking five minutes to complete the survey will add weight to the evidence and ensure the findings accurately reflect the experiences of South Yorkshire's diverse business community. 

Complete the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2YFW27J