Scottish Chambers of Commerce chief Liz Cameron urges Budget to 'level up' all parts of UK

Chancellor Rishi Sunak will unveil his first Budget on Wednesday, just four weeks after taking up the role. Picture: AFP via Getty Images

With Chancellor Rishi Sunak set to unveil his first Budget on Wednesday, after taking up the role less than four weeks previously, the SCC boss has urged the government to “take decisive action to boost growth, productivity and confidence”.

The SCC chief requested more support for companies seeking to become more sustainable and transitioning to new trading agreements.

She said that while the Brexit deadlock has been broken to some degree, “there remains the challenges of a faltering global economy, a costly domestic business environment and the lack of clarity over future trading arrangements with the European Union”.

Cameron also pointed to the threat of the Covid-19 virus and its potential impact on businesses.

She added: "The UK government must deliver a budget that helps instil confidence and utilises the potential of business communities across Scotland and the UK.

“Sluggish growth in the Scottish economy – slower compared to the rest of the UK – continues to limit the country’s significant economic and international potential.

"Key issues around demography, productivity and the lack of certainty over future trading arrangements all continue to present current and future challenges for businesses across the country.

“The UK Budget must take decisive action to boost growth, productivity and confidence across the whole of the UK, including incentives to release investment and ease the cost of doing business.”