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IRC Quarterly Heartbeat Survey - Q1 2026 (January to March 2026)

The Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC) is a group of 24 trade associations, each representing different sectors within the UK’s independent retail, hospitality & leisure industry.

  • In this regular quarterly survey, we ask you to give us your top-level view of the trading environment.
  • These survey questions are designed to be easy and quick to answer.
  • The data obtained is strictly confidential, is used to help shape our representation of the independent sector and the discussions we have with government representatives, local authorities and other industry stakeholders.
  • The results of this survey may also be communicated to members at a later stage.
Please note this survey refers to calendar year quarters (i.e. Q1 = January to March).
1.How did your Q1 2026 (Jan-Mar) trading compare to the previous quarter (Q4 2025 - Oct-Dec)?
2.Please share anything you would like to say about Q1 2026 (Jan-Mar) compared to the previous quarter (Q4 2025 - Oct-Dec)
e.g. why sales were down, up or the same:
3.How did your Q1 2026 (Jan-Mar) trading compare to the same period in the previous year (Q1 2025 - Jan-Mar)?
4.Please share anything you would like to say about Q1 2026 (Jan-Mar) compared to the same period in the previous year (Q1 2025 - Jan-Mar)
e.g. why sales were down, up or the same:
5.How confident are you about business in Q2 2026 (Apr-Jun)?
6.Is there anything you wish to tell us about your answer to the confidence question (Question 5):
7.How confident are you about business throughout the rest of 2026? (Choose one of the following):
8.Is there anything you wish to tell us about your answer to the confidence question (Question 7):
9.To help us build a geographical picture of the data, please enter your main business postcode
10.Would you be happy to be contacted for a quote or to be used as a case study?
11.If yes, please leave your contact details below