The last quarter has been particularly transformational for the Scottish Chambers of Commerce. Over recent months, we have been visiting our local Chamber network to gain a deeper understanding of what is happening on the ground and to hear directly from members about their concerns, priorities and ambitions for the future. We have participated in panel discussions, represented the Chamber network at Parliament, engaged with our business partners and supported the international activities of Chambers across Scotland.
At the heart of our work is a commitment to serving the Chamber network and its members. We have spent considerable time meeting Chamber colleagues across the country to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing their local economies. This included a visit to the Cairngorms, where we met with the chief executives of Cairngorms Business Partnership, Inverness, North Highland and West Highland Chambers of Commerce to discuss regional priorities and economic growth. Our Presidents’ Lunch also brought together Chamber presidents from Edinburgh, Leith, West Lothian, Inverclyde, Glasgow and Lanarkshire to discuss both regional and national priorities. We were also delighted to attend Inverness Chamber’s Highland Dinner, where our Chief Executive, Charandeep Singh BEM, addressed guests and shared his belief that much of Scotland’s future economic success will be shaped by the activity, innovation and opportunity emerging from the Highlands.
Alongside our engagement with the Chamber network, SCC has continued to ensure that the voice of Scottish business is heard in key policy and economic discussions. Recent months have seen us engage directly with newly elected and returning MSPs at Holyrood, where conversations focused on strengthening collaboration between business and government, tackling skills shortages and creating the conditions necessary for growth.
We have also contributed to a number of important national discussions on Scotland’s future economy. Through participation in events such as Scotland 2050 and the Colleges Scotland annual conference, SCC has brought forward the priorities of businesses from across the country. These discussions highlighted the importance of international trade, innovation and workforce development, as well as the need for stronger links between employers and education providers to ensure Scotland’s skills system meets the needs of both businesses and learners.
By continuing to engage with policymakers, education leaders and industry partners, SCC is helping to shape the conversations that will influence Scotland’s economic future, ensuring that the needs and ambitions of businesses remain at the centre of decision making.
Further south, we have been strengthening relationships with our partners at the British Chambers of Commerce through participation in the Global Annual Conference. The event provided a valuable platform for SCC to share a Scottish perspective on accelerating exports, strengthening global Chamber engagement and promoting closer collaboration between government and business. The conference also provided an opportunity to showcase the successful International Trade Partnership between the Scottish Chambers of Commerce network and the Scottish Government. This partnership has supported more than 1,000 Scottish SMEs to internationalise and explore new markets around the world. During the conference, we also met with long standing business partners to discuss the economic benefits of their continued expansion, including increased trade, tourism and connectivity.
Celebrating our relationship with the United States remains an important priority for SCC. As the USA marked 250 years of independence, we reflected on the enduring partnership between Scotland and one of our most important trading partners. Scotland and the United States have enjoyed a close relationship for generations, built on shared history, cultural connections and strong economic ties. Today, the United States is Scotland’s largest international export market and remains a key source of investment, supporting jobs, innovation and growth across the economy. SCC is proud to play a role in strengthening this transatlantic relationship through trade missions, business connections and ongoing collaboration that helps Scottish firms succeed in the US market. We remain committed to supporting businesses on both sides of the Atlantic and creating opportunities for future growth.
Following the signing of our Memoranda of Understanding with both the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), SCC welcomed a visiting trade delegation to Scotland to build connections and create new partnership opportunities.
The visit coincided with the Scotland India Business Forum, which brought together government representatives, industry leaders and businesses to discuss how we can collectively build on the momentum created by the UK India Free Trade Agreement and strengthen long term economic ties.
Scotland and India share a relationship that spans generations, founded on strong people to people connections and mutual respect. The Free Trade Agreement provides an opportunity to build on these foundations through greater trade, investment and business collaboration. Following the Scotland India Business Forum, SCC welcomed Raghav Singhal, Chief Executive Officer of ICICI Bank UK, to meet with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Board. Mr Singhal shared valuable insights into trading with India, developments across the investment landscape and the practical opportunities available to Scottish businesses seeking international growth. He also highlighted the support ICICI Bank can provide to both Scottish and Indian companies looking to expand into each other’s markets.
The following day, in partnership with FICCI, ASSOCHAM and the Confederation of Indian Industry, we welcomed the delegation to participate in a series of roundtable discussions with Scottish businesses. These sessions explored opportunities for collaboration across manufacturing, engineering, energy, education, life sciences, healthcare and trade.
The sector focused discussions created a valuable platform for meaningful connections and productive conversations. The enthusiasm and optimism in the room were clear to see. With direct air links between Scotland and India under discussion, these engagements highlighted the significant potential for future trade and investment between our two nations.
As part of the programme, SCC also hosted a visit to the City of Glasgow College Riverside Campus, where delegates experienced its world leading maritime simulation training facilities. The visit concluded with an evening reception hosted by the Lord Provost, providing further opportunities for businesses and stakeholders to discuss future collaboration.
Across every conversation, one message was clear. The UK India Free Trade Agreement provides a strong platform for growth, but it will be businesses, institutions and governments working together that transform opportunity into new trade, investment and long term partnerships.
Thank you to every business that participated in these discussions, to our partners who helped deliver the programme and to FICCI for bringing such a strong delegation to Scotland.
SCC remains committed to supporting the future growth of our members, whether their ambitions lie within Scotland or in international markets. We are here to help businesses navigate an evolving economic landscape, seize new opportunities and achieve sustainable growth.
