First Minister John Swinney, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar and Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay have told businesses needed the government to act urgently.
At the Scottish Chambers of Commerce annual dinner last night, chief executive Liz Cameron CBE stated: “We stand at a pivotal moment for our economy, the economic headwinds and political turmoil are immensely challenging and some sectors are at breaking point.
“The message tonight is clear: collaboration and understanding between business and government are not just desirable – they are essential.”
Chambers president Stephen Leckie added: “Government policies are critical to creating the conditions for growth – increasing energy costs, higher tax burdens and new government regulations is a lot for any business to manage and absorb.
“We need a renewed focus on tax reform to incentivise innovation, a planning system that enables swift development, and support for key sectors like renewable energy, tourism and manufacturing.
“Businesses need certainty, clarity and collaboration.”
Swinney responded: “In preparation for the Budget, I have carefully listened to the business community across Scotland and heard their concerns, in particular around the UK Government’s decision to increase employers national insurance contributions.
“Our focus on prioritising investment, removing obstacles to growth and providing certainty and stability to business will help us build a more resilient Scottish economy and unlock our nation’s full economic potential.”
Cameron continued: “In a highly competitive world we need a lower cost base, less bureaucracy and more government support from both Holyrood and Westminster.
“Business needs targeted measures to ease the burden on businesses struggling with rising costs – including reform of the business rates system, targeted rates relief, and a serious rethink to the rise in employer national insurance contributions.
“We don’t need one-off changes or quick fixes,“ she added. “We need a long-term plan that extends beyond election cycles to encourage investment and foster confidence.”
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