On the 29th of October 2024, the Scottish Chambers of Commerce hosted a prestigious Scottish Business Reception at the historic Edinburgh Castle. The event brought together over 100 esteemed guests including Chamber representatives, politicians and business leaders which showcased the vital role of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network in driving economic growth and advocating for the needs of its local communities and businesses allowing them to grow and prosper.
A highlight of the evening was the attendance of the First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney MSP who opened the reception with a powerful speech that reinforced the government’s commitment to Scotland’s economic future. Addressing the audience, the First Minister stated:
“My Government is committed to growing the economy to generate the wealth to invest in our public services and eradicate child poverty. We want to use that investment to create a partnership between government and business that will make the most of Scotland’s many economic opportunities.
“It takes political willpower to adapt and evolve our economies and grow thriving societies in all four nations – something the Chancellor can signal by including steps to advance the Acorn carbon capture and storage project in the UK Budget, which would provide new opportunities for workers in the oil and gas sector in Grangemouth and in other parts of Scotland.”
The First Minister’s call for partnership between government and business set the tone for the evening, underscoring the importance of collaboration to unlock Scotland’s potential.
Also addressing the night, Stephen Leckie, Former President of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, emphasised the need for investment to remain at the core of the UK’s economic strategy. He highlighted how critical it is to place investment at the heart of the UK’s budget to foster growth, boost competitiveness, and instil confidence among businesses. Speaking to the audience, Mr Leckie remarked:
“Our budget focus is on growth, investment, and competitiveness. That means investing in skills, technology, and infrastructure, and equipping the workforce for tomorrow’s challenges.
“The Chancellor’s actions and the message they send will directly impact business confidence and investment at a time when we need to create positive momentum.
“We hope that our calls to support business have been listened to and not ignored.”
The reception was a powerful showcase of the outstanding work of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce networking in championing the voice of Scottish businesses and facilitating opportunities for growth and prosperity. The night provided an invaluable platform to strengthen the relationship between Scotland’s business community and its political leaders, fostering meaningful dialogue on the challenges and opportunities ahead.
For partnership opportunities contact Ros Wardley-Smith, International & Operations Executive (ros.wardley-smith@scottishchambers.org.uk)