Dartmouth businesses have reported an improvement in trading over the summer compared with 2025, although rising costs and cautious customer spending continue to present challenges.

A survey conducted by Dartmouth Chamber of Commerce found that 17 per cent of businesses questioned felt the summer had been much better than the previous year, up from six per cent in 2025.

However, more than half of respondents said customers were being cautious with their spending, while rising living costs, energy bills and the expense of running a business were identified as the biggest pressures.

The 2026 survey received 29 responses from 321 businesses invited by email, around half the number of responses received in 2025. The chamber said it had been unable to carry out face-to-face interviews this year due to limited resources.

Three-quarters of respondents were based in the town centre, with a mix of retail, hospitality and service businesses represented. Eighty per cent were visitor-facing.

The findings showed that 48 per cent of businesses had experienced some of their busiest days over the summer, while 28 per cent reported some particularly quiet days.

Weather was a significant factor, with 41 per cent saying it had provided an incredible boost to business. However, 14 per cent said they had not seen the patterns usually associated with good weather, while a similar number described the summer as unpredictable.

August remained the dominant month for businesses, although the good weather in June and July had strengthened trading, particularly in hospitality.

Non-visitor-facing businesses were more likely to report an improved summer than those reliant on visitors, while hospitality businesses were marginally more satisfied with their performance than retail and other sectors.

The rising cost of living was identified as the biggest issue affecting businesses, mentioned by 62 per cent of respondents. Rising energy and fuel costs and increased business expenses were each cited by 48 per cent.

Other concerns included business rates, parking and ferry costs, staff shortages and the impact of the Slapton Line closure.

When asked what would make a positive difference, 24 per cent called for parking to be addressed, while 17 per cent wanted reductions in rates or VAT.

Other suggestions included reducing rents, better promotion of Dartmouth, improved street cleaning and maintenance, and more festivals and events during quieter months.

One respondent said: “We should be grateful for how good it (Dartmouth) is and celebrate it, compared with most towns it’s doing really well.”

A retailer said: “Dartmouth is so hard to predict, and it all depends on surplus cash.”

The chamber said it remained positive about the town's prospects, highlighting its vibrant business community and the attractions it offers visitors.

It said its business forums were intended to help members navigate uncertainty, while it continued working with Explore Dartmouth and the Dartmouth In December initiative to encourage visitors throughout the year.

The chamber also said it would continue raising concerns about parking and park-and-ride provision with the relevant local authorities.