Growth concept in a filament lightbulb.

While uncertainty has undoubtedly affected businesses over the last eighteen months – accentuated by every twist and turn in Holyrood, Westminster and Brussels – many firms have prospered, thanks both to their own dynamism and the strength of the global economy. Chamber business communities have proven resilient, and maintained their focus on the bottom line. 

This resilience was validated at the end of last year when Forbes named the UK the best country in the world to do business. This accolade is a welcome boost to the animal spirits and confidence of our business communities, and a testament to their hard-work in the face of ongoing political uncertainty. 

In Chambers of Commerce all across the UK, there is a clear sense that firms recognise that their success is intrinsically linked to the places they work, and the people they work with – and that when businesses prosper, so, too, do local communities. 

That’s why it’s crucial for both the UK and Scottish governments to listen to and learn from our business communities – and work with us in partnership to create the conditions for sustained, long-term growth. 

Future business success for Scottish and UK firms will be helped over the course of 2018 if the UK government can secure both a transition arrangement and the outline of a good trade deal with the European Union, to give businesses a strong level of market access. 

Yet the business environment here at home is just as – if not more – important.

Alleviating the labour shortages affecting many of our business communities, improving our physical and digital infrastructure, implementing a place-based Industrial Strategy that boosts local growth, and support for trade will all go a long way in helping Scotland’s and Britain’s business communities to thrive. 

Skills is going to be a priority issue this year. The latest BCC Quarterly Economic Survey showed that recruitment difficulties are reaching critical levels, and while governments have a crucial role to play in remedying these shortages, so too does business. Firms have a responsibility to invest time and resources in training employees and help ensure a pipeline of future talent. 

I know that SCC and Chambers across Scotland will continue to engage with Holyrood on the many pressing issues facing businesses here at home – and BCC will continue to do so at Westminster as well. Let’s work together to make 2018 a year where business bucks Brexit uncertainty – and feels confident to go for growth. 

Dr Adam Marshall is Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce