Robert Carr: Business and a new government have to work together to lift the crisis

Published on Tuesday 4 May 2010 10:03

Parties must be ready to cooperate with firms, says Robert Carr

RARELY do elections arrive at such critical moments for the country. 1.3 trillion of public debt and an annual interest bill of between one and two times the cost of running Scotland.

Meanwhile public sector expenditure continues to escalate. Available cash for infrastructure projects which might revitalise matters has evaporated. The incoming government must deal with these issues.

We look for strong leadership, clarity and commitment. Businesses are calling on politicians to deliver for them, but we as business people have a duty to play our part. If people want a good standard of living then they need a vibrant economy. In this election, how do we ensure that UK plc delivers for the City of Edinburgh and its wider city region? Remember Edinburgh's success is vital to Scotland's success.

Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce represents 2,000 members and more than 100,000 employees in the city. Our recently published document The View From Edinburgh headlines what we believe is critical for the next government to deliver.

We need a globally competitive infrastructure which includes a new Forth crossing, rail electrification, inclusion in the high speed rail network from the outset, the revitalisation of Leith Docks and the Waterfront, adequate access to Edinburgh Airport, broadband speed, efficiency and availability to international standards, and a freight system that allows us to buy and sell unimpeded and with minimum environmental impact.

This is not just a shopping list for government – it must do its part to enable targets to be met, but the private sector is ready and willing to play its part in getting there. As is the city. More than 1 billion in non-domestic rates have been taken from Edinburgh in the last ten years – more than enough to pay for all we are talking about here.

There are great prizes to be won through business in the coming times – energy security with an explosion of interest in renewable energy, and massive advances in healthcare through life sciences to name but two. Tax regimes which incentivise these safe technologies can only help. Backing education and training to deliver the skilled workforce we need is essential.

Wealth creation powers a safe, caring, healthy and enlightened society. All politicians need to listen to what their business constituents have to say. All entrepreneurs have to accept their duty to act responsibly in their workplaces, marketplaces, communities and environment. Together we all need to build a sustainable and successful economy.

Robert Carr, chairman of Anderson Strathern LLP, is president of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce