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The Smith Commission: what does business think?

Posted: 28th November 2014

Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network is Scotland’s leading business voice, providing business insight, economic intelligence and business connections.

Responding to the publication of the recommendations of the Smith Commission, Liz Cameron, Director and Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:

“The task of the Smith Commission was always ambitious. Lord Smith has completed it fairly and respectfully, giving opportunity to people from all over Scotland to shape and influence a new Scotland.

“We have long called for new ways of working in Scotland to maximise business growth and today’s recommendations serve as a milestone in reaching our potential. The Commission’s recommendations address a number of our key asks in terms of further devolution, including Air Passenger Duty, which must now be devolved and abolished immediately in order to deliver a much needed boost to the Scottish aviation industry. We also particularly welcome the Commission’s call for further consideration of formal schemes to enable international students in Scotland to gain more valuable business experience after graduating.

“Time is of critical importance and our priority is to ensure that the Scottish business community is at the core of implementing these recommendations.

“Now, the responsibility is on politicians to come together and focus their collective talents and skills to deliver upon these recommendations and create the new Scotland which has the right economic levers to support our businesses, which are the creators of jobs and wealth.”

Business Comment

Business Comment is the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce’s bi-monthly magazine. It provides insight on Edinburgh’s vibrant business community, with features on the city’s key sectors, interviews with leading figures and news on new business developments in the capital.
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