Business turnover fell for 28% of trading businesses in August, according to the Office for National Statistics. That is up 6 percentage points on July. If your sales have dipped, the best time to arrange finance is now, before the fall shows up in your accounts.
01What happened to business turnover in August?
The figures come from the ONS Business Insights and Conditions Survey, published on 24 September. Businesses answered between 7 and 20 September.
- 28% of trading businesses said their turnover fell in August.
- For businesses with 10 or more employees, the figure was 31%.
- 29% said the prices they pay for goods and services went up in August.
- 64% said they were concerned about energy prices, up 5 points on late August.
There is some balance. The ONS says the share reporting a fall is broadly stable compared with August 2025. So it is a rise on July, but a similar level to a year ago.
Some sectors feel it more. In construction, 32% of businesses expect to raise their prices in October. That is the highest share for the industry since February 2023. Among accommodation and food businesses, 90% said they were concerned about energy prices.
02Why timing matters to a lender
A lender usually looks at your recent accounts and bank statements. Those show what has already happened, not what is happening now.
So a business that applies while its figures still look healthy is often in a stronger position. A business that waits until a weaker quarter shows up may find the same request harder to place.
03Three ways to build headroom now
- Update your cash flow forecast. Look at the next three to six months with lower sales and higher costs built in.
- Match the finance to the gap. A short gap often suits an overdraft. A planned cost, like stock or equipment, often suits a term loan.
- Ask early. Talk to a broker while your numbers are still strong, rather than when the money is already tight.
Our guide to seasonal stock finance shows how an overdraft and a term loan can work together. When you are ready to compare options, see our page on business growth finance.
The ONS will publish its next survey results on 8 October.
