Business news

Scottish Chambers of Commerce gets Down to Business

Posted Thursday 1 April 2010 11:00 GMT

Scottish Chambers of Commerce yesterday launched their pre-General Election policy document, entitled ‘Down to Business 2010’. The paper sets out the priorities of Scottish Chambers’ 9,500 business members as we enter a period in which Scotland will experience three elections, at UK, Scottish and local levels, in just three years. Its key themes are partnership and opportunity.

Launching the document, Mike Salter, Chairman of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:

"With the UK General Election just around the corner, the time is right for Scottish businesses to set out our priorities for government and for those who aspire to govern. As we move towards economic recovery, our emphasis is on partnership and opportunity. We all know that government budgets are diminishing and that taxes are likely to rise, which is why it is vital that we get the maximum productivity out of every pound of our tax that is spent by the public sector. The business community is ready and willing to work with government to help achieve this and the reward would be a public sector focused on the consumer and geared towards delivering the right conditions for business to lead us to growth and prosperity."

Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:

"Business is emerging from recession with a renewed vigour and a keen eye for the opportunities that will generate wealth for them, their employees and for Scotland. Challenges are being overcome in the private sector and it is now the turn of the public sector to show that it can deliver more with less. 'Down to Business' is the first of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce network's contributions towards providing the context of a partnership between government and business. We examine the big picture economic landscape, the climate for business, the need for connectivity and how our world leading businesses can take us on the path to success.

"Scottish Chambers of Commerce are ambitious for Scotland and we are prepared to work with all parties at all levels of government to help shape a new partnership for economic growth."

To download a copy of Down to Business 2010, click here.

Alternatively, for more information, contact Garry Clark, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at The Scottish Chambers of Commerce on tel 0141 204 8337, or to email Garry, click here.