Ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections, Scottish Chambers of Commerce has published Backing Scotland’s Businesses: A Plan for Growth.
The plan is a bold, business-led roadmap designed to help make Scotland one of the world’s most competitive, dynamic and globally connected economies by 2050.
Drawing on the experiences of the SCC Network, collectively representing 50% of the country’s private sector workforce, the Plan calls on the next Scottish Government to take decisive, long-term and cross-party action to stabilise the economic environment, accelerate infrastructure delivery, and create a globally competitive foundation for growth.
SCC identifies the urgent need to tackle constraints that are holding Scotland’s economy back, ranging from stalled infrastructure projects and skills shortages, to rising costs and barriers to exporting. It sets clear milestones for action within the first Programme for Government, the first year, and by the end of the Parliamentary term.
Developed in partnership with the Scottish Chamber Network, representing thousands of employers across every region, sector and size of business, the Plan sets out five urgent national priorities that the next Scottish Government must deliver to support economic growth:
Restore competitiveness and investment confidence
Deliver infrastructure that powers economic growth
Secure the future workforce
Create the conditions for digital leadership
Expand Scotland’s global reach
Among its headline recommendations, the Scottish Chambers urge Government to:
Commit to stable multi-year economic policy and fiscal planning
Accelerate delivery of critical national infrastructure, including grid capacity, transport, housing, and digital connectivity
Reform and strengthen Scotland’s skills, immigration, and talent pipeline
Support businesses to adopt AI, digital tools and strengthen cyber resilience
Expand Scotland’s international presence, trade support and export finance
Launching the Plan, Charandeep Singh BEM, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“This is a moment for ambition. Scotland’s businesses are ready to invest, ready to innovate, and ready to create the jobs of the future. Our Plan for Growth sets out a clear pathway to making Scotland the best place in the world to do business.
“For too long, Scotland’s economic debate has been defined by short-term cycles, political uncertainty and inconsistent delivery. Businesses cannot plan, let alone invest, when the goalposts constantly shift. This Plan sends a clear message: Scotland needs stability, predictability and a relentless focus on competitiveness. If we get that right, Scotland will win.
“Every part of Scotland has untapped potential, the focus now must be on delivery. The next Government must place economic growth as its top priority. Scottish businesses stand ready to play their part: this Plan sets out what must now be done to realise their full potential.
“If Scotland gets this right, the prize is enormous: a worldleading economy, thriving regions, rising incomes, stronger communities and a global reputation as a country that backs business and delivers prosperity.”
Read the full plan here.
