More calls for an end to uncertainty

The chief of an engineering industry body has added his voice to concerns that delaying the independence referendum may undermine business confidence.

Dr Peter Hughes, chief executive of Scottish Engineering, raised the matter in the latest issue of the group’s quarterly review.

He said: “A survey of our members has indicated that the vast majority are keen to see a speedy resolution with regard to the independence referendum. As we all know, uncertainty can seriously undermine the confidence of companies growing and developing their business both at home and abroad.”

Meanwhile, the head of housebuilding giant Miller Homes has called for an end to the uncertainty over the Scottish independence issue. Keith Miller’s intervention is another concern to be raised from the business world, following similar comments from Scottish and Southern energy (SSE) and the Weir group in the past week.

He said: “The government’s done a relatively good job in creating opportunities for building and infrastructure projects, but we’d like to see the issue settled sooner rather than later.”