Scots Chambers of Commerce calls for ‘bold’ action

Scotland’s businesses want “speedy and bold action” from politicians in the next Scottish Parliament to help address four key areas vital to creating a more prosperous country.

The Scottish Chambers of Commerce are calling on Holyrood for 'bold action'. Picture: TSPL

Nora Senior, chairwoman of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said businesses and government alike need to raise their game as the country enters “a new era of devolution”. Devolved ­powers need to be used to support wealth creation, rather than talking about it “in the abstract”.

“The next Scottish Parliament will be a very different animal to the one we have got used to over the last 16 years,” said Senior, who was speaking last night at the Chambers’ 23rd Annual Business Address in Glasgow.

“The Scottish political dynamic must move away from endless debates about how taxpayers’ money is spent, and instead develop an increasing focus on how those taxes are raised.”

Senior is calling for a renewed drive to boost exports to redress the imbalance that leads to just 100 Scottish firms generating more than 60 per cent of overseas sales. Continued investment in digital communications is also vital, in terms of infrastructure and human capital.