The 2025 Scottish Chambers of Commerce Annual Business Address once again proved to be a landmark occasion in Scotland’s business calendar. Bringing together more than 600 leaders from across Scotland, the UK and international markets, the event united the chamber network, industry trailblazers and senior political figures for an evening that celebrated ambition, resilience and the future of Scottish enterprise.
Sponsored by Heathrow, this year’s gathering highlighted the vibrancy and diversity of Scotland’s business community. It served not only as a showcase of entrepreneurial excellence and innovation, but also as a platform for collective advocacy giving businesses a voice on the support and conditions they need to thrive in the year ahead.
The evening featured a high profile of inspirational speakers, each delivery their on unique s The programme featured an exceptional lineup of speakers who shared powerful insights, personal reflections and forward‑looking perspectives that resonated strongly with attendees. The keynote contributors included:
Rodney Ayre, President, Scottish Chambers of Commerce
Fraser Brown, Retail Director, Heathrow
Dr Liz Cameron CBE, Former Chief Executive, Scottish Chambers of Commerce
Lindsay McGranaghan, Senior Vice President, Scotland & Northern Ireland
John Swinney MSP, First Minister of Scotland
Roisin Currie CBE, Chief Executive, Greggs
Jacqueline Dobson, President, Barrhead Travel
Each speaker brought a unique viewpoint, collectively underscoring Scotland’s capacity to lead, adapt and innovate on the global stage.
Our President, Rodney Ayre, opened the evening by saying: “As SCC President I get to meet these brilliant businesses and many have joined us here tonight:
This is Scotland at its best: connected, ambitious, world-class.
When businesses want to grow, adapt, and trade, they turn to SCC as their first port of call.
We ensure their priorities are heard at Holyrood and Westminster.
Our achievements this year are not just down to the brilliant work of our SCC leadership team and staff over the past 12 months but also of our fantastic Chamber Network.
They are the beating heart of our communities, connecting businesses locally and globally, advocating for their needs, and unlocking opportunities.
Across Scotland, Chambers deliver for their members: whether supporting rural enterprises in the Highlands, driving innovation in Ayrshire, or energising urban economies in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee.
Domestically and internationally, we shout about our world class products and services.
- We open doors,
- forge connections,
- showcase capability
- and win new markets across the globe.
Delivered through powerful partnerships with the Scottish and UK Governments built on trust and a shared ambition to trade globally.”
He set the tone for the evening by highlighting a central theme: the power of collaboration: “ We believe in the power of collaboration-local and global, business and government, Scotland and the world.
We are built on strong foundations and ready for the challenges ahead.
As we look towards 2026 and beyond, let’s build that future together.”
The Scottish Chambers of Commerce extends its sincere thanks to our valued partners: Heathrow, CGI, lumo, The Open University, Skills Development Scotland, SSE Energy Solutions, SF Express, Alpha, Greggs, Terra Coffee, Island Slice, Launch, Blowin Free Gin, Ochil Fudge, Jackton Art, ABPI, ProPharm Services, CISCO, Hargreaves Land, Sandman Signature and STEP. Their partnership and support were instrumental in creating an evening that celebrated the power, potential and creativity of Scottish business.
