Cybersecurity Threats Rise Among Yorkshire and Scottish Businesses

• •34% of Yorkshire businesses and nearly 30% of Scottish businesses reported cyber incidents.
• •Tax increases and inflation are top concerns for 89% and 84% of businesses in Yorkshire and Scotland, respectively.
• •Recruitment challenges persist, with 76% of Yorkshire and 63% of Scottish businesses struggling to find talent.

Recent surveys from Armstrong Watson reveal that tax increases, inflationary pressures, and cyber attacks are significant concerns for family-owned and privately managed businesses in Yorkshire and Scotland. In Yorkshire, 34% of businesses reported experiencing a cyber incident, with 21% occurring in the last three years. In Scotland, nearly a third of respondents reported similar incidents, with 20% happening in the same timeframe. The surveys indicate that 89% of Yorkshire businesses and 84% of Scottish businesses are worried about tax increases, while inflationary pressures affect 85% and 81%, respectively. Recruitment challenges persist, with 76% of Yorkshire businesses and 63% of Scottish businesses struggling to find suitable candidates. Both regions show a strong commitment to growth, with 81% of Yorkshire and 74% of Scottish businesses having actionable business plans. The findings emphasize the need for improved cybersecurity measures as these threats become mainstream business issues.