Bank of England Breakfast Briefing, in partnership with Cheltenham Chamber – May 2026

Attendees heard from Malindi Myers, Agent for the South West, on the latest insights on the UK economy, inflation, interest rates and the wider business environment, as well as asking questions on the issues affecting firms across the region.

The discussion explored the ongoing uncertainty facing businesses and households, including the impact of global events on energy prices, inflationary pressures and business confidence. Attendees also heard reflections on labour market trends, investment appetite, productivity and emerging themes such as artificial intelligence and the future of work.

A recurring theme throughout the morning was the resilience of businesses despite continued economic volatility. While many organisations remain cautious around investment and growth plans, there was recognition that firms have become increasingly lean, adaptable and focused on long-term sustainability.

•    access to finance for smaller businesses
•    political and regulatory uncertainty
•    remote working and resulting commercial property trends
•    skills challenges
•    the role of technology in shaping the economy over the coming years

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to the Bank of England, Malindi Myers and Cheltenham Chamber of Commerce for supporting the discussion.

These briefings aren't just about receiving insights; they're a platform for interaction. The Bank really values business intelligence from across the UK to help shape its understanding of economic conditions in real-time, as well as to add some depth to the headline datasets.

We’ve recently launched our Quarterly Economic Survey for Q2 - the longest-running survey of its kind, a collaborative initiative conducted in partnership with 50 chambers of commerce across the United Kingdom and the British Chambers of Commerce.

Your insights enable us to identify emerging challenges, celebrate successes, and advocate for policies that foster a conducive environment for business growth.