Kent’s Quarterly Economic Survey Q1 2025
📊 The Kent Business Landscape in 2025: Key Insights from the QES.
The QES Q1 2025 report for Kent presents a complex economic landscape characterized by ongoing challenges alongside areas of resilience.
Domestic sales and orders continue to experience a downturn, with the service sector facing more significant impacts than manufacturing. Export sales and orders have notably decreased; while manufacturing demonstrates resilience, the service sector encounters steep declines.
Employment levels have seen slight improvement, yet future expectations remain pessimistic. Recruitment activity has diminished, and the challenge of finding suitable staff persists.
Inflation and taxation concerns are escalating due to rising labour and utility costs affecting businesses.
Despite a marginal improvement in cashflow, it remains negative. Investment in plant and equipment has declined, reflecting a cautious financial outlook.
Business confidence exhibits a minor recovery, with turnover and profitability expectations showing modest enhancement. Nevertheless, the decline in investment in plant and equipment underscores a careful financial approach.
The QES underscores the persistent challenges faced by businesses. The recent imposition of US tariffs introduces uncertainty in global trade, potentially increasing costs and limiting market access for local enterprises [1] [2]. This unpredictability can influence business decision-making and overall economic confidence.
As the year progresses, we will continue to represent your interests to local and national government. We look forward to supporting and collaborating with you to maximise opportunities and address challenges.
TUDOR PRICE
Chief Executive
Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce
