Cost pressures and a looming recession are weighing down on Scottish business confidence, according to the latest Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) survey.
As a result, cashflow and profits are falling, investment decisions have paused, firms are raising prices and struggling to recruit and retain staff.
The research, conducted in November and December among 310 Scottish businesses, found that 82% intend to raise prices over the next quarter - a successive record high for the survey.
