Management and Expectations Survey

Last updated:
24 January 2024

What is the Management and Expectations Survey (MES)? 

The Management and Expectations Survey (MES) collects information from businesses in both the services and production industries about their management practices and expectations for their business in the future.  

We survey businesses of all sizes to ensure our statistics are representative of the UK economy.

Please note that the Management and Expectations Survey has closed for the 2023 wave. 

What you'll be asked about: 

  • The use of targets and key performance indicators (KPIs) 

  • Employment and hiring decisions 

  • How your business responds to problems 

  • Information on your business's current performance and future expectations (including turnover, investment, employment and spending on resources)  

  • Technologies used by this business 

All information you provide is strictly confidential. 

How to complete this survey? 

Please follow the link above to the survey and enter your unique enrolment code to begin. This enrolment code can be found in your Management and Expectations Survey (MES) invitation letter. 

Why do we need this data? 

The information will be used to further investigate how management practices and uncertainty relate to productivity, as well as gauge businesses expectations of the UK's economic climate in the near future.  

Your contribution will help us better understand the productivity challenges faced by businesses in your sector and help inform policymakers.  

Survey information: 

Selection criteria: Businesses registered for Value Added Tax (VAT) and/or Pay As You Earn (PAYE), trading in the United Kingdom, with employment of 10 or more. 

Population: approximately 270,000 

Sample size: approximately 55,000 

Dispatch date: 1st November 2023 

Return-by date: 20th December 2023 

Please note that the Management and Expectations Survey has closed for the 2023 wave.  

How to find out more information: 

If your question is not answered on this page, you may be able to find the answer in the About ONS business surveys section. 

The survey is voluntary, but we appreciate the time taken to complete the questionnaire. Thank you for your continued support.

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