South Yorkshire Mayor's advisory board commissions AI readiness study

Businesses across South Yorkshire are being urged to take part in the latest Quarterly Economic Survey for Quarter 3 2025, which officially opens for responses on 18 August and will remain live until 15 September.

Delivered on behalf of the three South Yorkshire Chambers of Commerce - Sheffield, Doncaster, and Barnsley & Rotherham - the Quarterly Economic Survey is a vital opportunity for businesses to share their experiences, challenges, and outlook, helping to shape decisions that affect the region’s future economic success.

This research is sponsored by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and plays a key role in informing the work of the Mayor Coppard’s Business Advisory Board. The Board brings together leaders from across sectors and places to help drive inclusive economic growth, tackle productivity challenges, and ensure that South Yorkshire’s business voice is central to policy and investment decisions. The survey results provide an evidence base to influence the Board’s agenda and ensure business needs are properly reflected in regional strategies.

The Quarterly Economic Survey is the largest and longest-running business survey in the UK. It captures a regular snapshot of trading conditions, workforce pressures, confidence levels, and future plans, and feeds directly into policy conversations with the Bank of England, HM Treasury, and other key national bodies. It is open to all South Yorkshire-based businesses, regardless of size, sector, or Chamber membership, and responses are completely confidential.

Following the publication of South Yorkshire’s Plan for Good Growth, this quarter’s survey includes a dedicated section on AI Business Readiness, exploring how prepared businesses are for increasing integration of artificial intelligence across different operational areas. It asks where AI is already being used, who leads on AI strategy within organisations, what challenges companies have faced, and what types of support - such as skills development, funding, or access to technology - would be most useful.

Dan Fell MBE, Chief Executive of Doncaster Chamber of Commerce, said: “With the recent opening of Gateway 1 - Doncaster’s flagship digital tech hub - we are placing South Yorkshire at the forefront of the AI revolution. Gateway One will be a key driver in growing the city’s AI ecosystem and unlocking the Government’s AI ambitions for the UK. The Quarterly Economic Survey gives us a vital opportunity to understand how prepared our businesses are for AI adoption and to identify the support needed to help them thrive as this exciting sector grows. The insights gathered will directly shape investment, skills development, and infrastructure plans as we advance the region’s AI Growth Zone bid.”

As always, the Quarterly Economic Survey continues to track critical indicators such as sales performance, exports, recruitment difficulties, investment intentions, and overall confidence. This ongoing data helps ensure that South Yorkshire’s voice is well-represented in national conversations and that support is targeted where it is needed most.

Louisa Harrison-Walker OBE, Chief Executive of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, added: “The Quarterly Economic Survey gives Sheffield and the wider South Yorkshire region a powerful platform to influence decision-makers. The AI focus this quarter is particularly timely, as we know many of our members are keen to explore the potential benefits, but also need reassurance around ethics, skills, and implementation. We urge every business to take a few minutes to complete the survey - it’s a small action that delivers real impact.”

The survey takes only a few minutes to complete and is designed to be accessible and relevant to businesses of all sizes. Once fieldwork closes in mid-September, the results will be analysed and presented to local partners, including the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and the Mayor’s Business Advisory Board, as well as fed into national policy channels.

Carrie Sudbury, Chief Executive of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said: “Businesses in Barnsley, Rotherham and across South Yorkshire are ambitious and innovative - but they need the right conditions to grow. This survey helps us track the issues that matter most - from everyday trading conditions to long-term digital transformation. With AI presenting both exciting opportunities and serious challenges, it’s never been more important for businesses to share their voice.”

The South Yorkshire Chambers are urging businesses across the region - whether they are growing, struggling, innovating, or adapting - to take part in this important research. By completing the Quarterly Economic Survey, they are helping shape the future of economic development and support in South Yorkshire.

To take part in the survey or to find out more, visit your local Chamber of Commerce website. The survey is open from 18 August to 15 September 2025.