More than 200 business representatives gathered for the joint Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament event
In November 2019, Scottish Chambers of Commerce were delighted to attend and participate in Business in the Parliament Conference (BIPC) 2019 – an annual conference which aims to facilitate engagement between businesses and politicians.
CE’s and President’s from 11 chambers across Scotland were in attendance over the two-day conference from Caithness to Dumfries and Galloway, presenting the Chamber Network’s business priorities: exporting, climate opportunity and business growth.
SCC Deputy Chief Executive Charandeep Singh asked a question on behalf of the SCC Network in the main debating chamber voicing the Network’s concerns on rural connectivity while SCC’s International Trade team hosted the International Business workshop; Alison MacRae, Glasgow Chamber presented at the Climate Change Workshop and Chamber Network members Miranda Clegg, Commercial Director of Vegware and Kieran Coyle, Managing Director of Premiership Experience presented case studies at the International Trade workshop.
This year’s theme focused on ‘Agents of Change’ and how Scottish businesses can lead the way with a series of speeches, discussion sessions, and workshops hosted by SCC, CBI, SCDI, Women’s Enterprise Scotland, Young Enterprise Scotland and Scottish Financial Enterprise.
Delegates also heard from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Ivan McKee MSP and Robin Watson, CEO of Wood before participating in a cross-party panel Q&A session with Kate Forbes MSP (SNP); Murdo Fraser MSP (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party); Rhoda Grant MSP (Sottish Labour); and Liam McArthur MSP (Scottish Lib Dem).
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “This conference is a chance to discuss what Government, Parliament and businesses can do together, to rise to the challenges and grasp the opportunities ahead of us.
“Scotland is already at the forefront of key sectors, but we want to build on these strengths and help Scotland lead economic and technological change.”
