In the last edition of the Business Scotland magazine, we profiled the Scottish business opinion on the European Union Referendum. SCC remained neutral, taking on a role of informing and educating, and since then, the outcome led to a Leave vote. For us, as Scotland’s largest business membership network, business has to go on.
Since 24th June, the Chamber Network has met with its members to better understand the issues and identify opportunities and we have profiled these areas to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Keith Brown and Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundell MP, championing the need for business and government to collaborate to ensure the best outcome for Scottish businesses.
One of the first major opportunities to signal a clear intent will be the Scottish Government’s Draft Budget, expected in the autumn. Delivering a ‘Brexit Budget’ will not be easy but with extensive powers over the likes of Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and Scottish Development International, as well as growing control over business and personal taxes, the Scottish Government is well placed to take the lead in sending out a clear message that Scotland is supporting its businesses to succeed and to take advantage of the trading opportunities that will emerge in the post-Brexit world.
Despite Scotland’s recent below par growth, I remain optimistic for the future success of Scotland’s businesses. The Scottish Chambers of Commerce network is already developing closer links with sister Chambers in countries the world over. With the right support from the Scottish and UK Governments, we can rise to the opportunities ahead and emerge stronger, with more of our businesses trading internationally and creating jobs.
In a period of uncertainty, with Brexit still ahead, making sure that businesses can recruit talented and work-ready young people here in Scotland is critical. So is having the right incentives to commit to further training for those more established in the workplace and this is an area SCC will continue to focus on.
I have always been a strong supporter of bridging the gap between business & education and I am proud that this edition profiles the early successes of the Developing Young Workforce panels, showcasing positive feedback from employers and young people who are energised to take on the business opportunities of the future. These are values shared by many private sector employers across the country and we are seeing innovative approaches to addressing youth unemployment by business leaders including Jim McColl, Founder & CEO of Clyde Blowers Capital, through the establishment of Newlands Junior College. This remarkable effort has already delivered outstanding results by combining academic, vocational and personal development qualifications and fostering a supportive and entrepreneurial environment.
Thank you for picking up our magazine and I hope you take a dose of business inspiration from this edition of Business Scotland.
Nora Senior
Chair, Scottish Chambers of Commerce
Executive Chair of UK Regions & Ireland,
Weber Shandwick
