BSkyB chief urges firms to capitalise on drift from state sector contribution

Published on Thursday 2 September 2010 11:44

BSKYB chief executive Jeremy Darroch, will tell business leaders in Scotland tomorrow night that the economic crisis has raised questions over the role of government.

He will urge them to raise their game so that the private sector seizes on opportunities thrown up by the downturn and imminent cutbacks.

"The reduction of the state's contribution means that there is an opportunity - in fact I would argue a necessity - to rebalance economic activity between the public and private sectors, because an enduring recovery will only come through commercial investment and an environment for wealth creation," he will tell guests at an Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce dinner.

"The economic crisis has given oxygen to a debate around not just what government does, but what it does not do. And I believe that the private sector has a tremendous chance to prove its value by further extending its contribution as the state withdraws. This is an age of opportunity for business."

The public sector currently accounts for about 22 per cent of Scotland's Gross Value Added (GVA), against 18 per cent throughout the rest of the UK.

Darroch believes this has inhibited enterprise and entrepreneurial activity, two elements which will be crucial to an enduring economic recovery.

Though the climate will remain tough as spending is scrutinised in both homes and boardrooms, Darroch says private business must grasp what he calls a new "age of opportunity".

Darroch will also highlight his belief that one of the main barriers to creating a new pro-enterprise culture is a general lack of trust among consumers.