Press Releases
We offer comments on a range of issues affecting business in Scotland. Our senior directors regularly comment across national print and broadcast channels. We can also provide the media with print or broadcast interviews, comments, and case studies from Chamber Network members.
Colin Campbell
Communications & Research Executive
E: CCampbell@scottishchambers.org.uk
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Latest 20 posts. Please use the filters above to see more.
14-08-2026
BLOG: Retailers continue to feel the pinch
High streets are heart of local economies across Scotland: supporting jobs, attracting visitors, and providing vital services to communities. But the latest Scottish Chambers of Commerce QEI shows that many retailers continue to operate under significant pressure.
Labour costs remained one of the biggest concerns, cited by 73% of retail businesses. While this has eased from the his... QEI
06-08-2026
BLOG: Keeping Scotland’s Manufacturers Competitive
According to the latest data from the sector, Scotland's manufacturers are experiencing a significantly more challenging trading environment than this time last year.
Softer sales and orders, weaker cashflow and investment, alongside increased cost pressures, all point to growing pressure on businesses and rising concerns around competitiveness.
In practice, competitiv... QEI
31-07-2026
BLOG: Warning signs from the Services Sector
Unlike any other of the five key sectors covered by our quarterly survey, the services sector has been consistently resilient in recent years. Over the 12 months, sector confidence averaged +5%, even as the wider economy remained in negative territory.
That changed in Q2 2026. Our latest Quarterly Economic Indicator shows confidence falling to -5%: the sector’s first negative readi... QEI
24-07-2026
BLOG: Rebuilding Confidence in the Construction Sector
There is no shortage of potential in Scotland’s construction sector.
Recognising the ongoing housing crisis, the Scottish Government has committed to delivering 110,000 affordable homes by 2032. Meanwhile, the pipeline of nationally significant infrastructure projects continues to grow, from HMP Glasgow and the A9 dualling programme to the billions of pounds of investment needed to... QEI
24-07-2026
SCC welcomes the removal of the US 10% tariff on Scotch whisky
Commenting on the removal of the US' 10% tariff on Scotch whisky, Charandeep Singh BEM, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“Tariff-free trade with the US is fantastic news, both for producers of Scotland’s national drink and the wider economy. The United States is a key trading partner for Scotland and the largest export market for Scotch whisky, with exports worth... international-trade
22-07-2026
Only time and detail will tell whether Burnham’s ‘Manchesterism’ is made of stone
*First published in The Herald (22/07/2026)
In the unlikely event Andy Burnham has found himself any free time since becoming Prime Minister, he might have turned to one of his favourite albums as he pondered the road ahead.
The music-loving Makerfield MP has said he is particularly fond of the self-titled 1989 debut by the Stone Roses, which contains a number of track... economy
21-07-2026
SCC comments on new appointments to the Cabinet
Charandeep Singh BEM, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
"Congratulations to those appointed to serve in Prime Minister Andy Burnham's new Cabinet. Scottish Chambers of Commerce looks forward to working constructively with both returning and newly appointed ministers to deliver the conditions businesses need to invest, grow and create jobs.
"The n... general
20-07-2026
SCC comments on Andy Burnham’s appointment as PM
Charandeep Singh BEM, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“The appointment of Andy Burnham as Prime Minister provides an opportunity for a fresh approach from the UK Government on a number of key issues impacting Scotland and the economy.
“Scottish businesses want to see competitiveness and economic growth at the heart of the new government’s agenda, wi... general
17-07-2026
BLOG – Reflections on the Chancellor’s Mansion House Speech 2026
Chancellor Rachel Reeves' third Mansion House speech focused on financial stability and sought to defend Labour's economic record after just over two years in government.
The Chancellor argued that she has boosted growth, investment and productivity, lowered inflation, and repaired the public finances, all under the headline that Britain’s economy is on a stronger footing.
... economy
15-07-2026
Welcoming the UK-India FTA
Welcoming the UK-India FTA, Charandeep Singh BEM, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“This UK-India free trade agreement marks a major milestone, creating a range of new opportunities for businesses across Scotland to benefit from greater investment and trade with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
“Scottish Chambers of Commerce is committed to ... energy
10-07-2026
BLOG: Finance Committee Inquiry – Pre-budget scrutiny 2027-28: the affordability and sustainability of Scotland’s tax and spending plans
As Scotland's Parliament takes the first recess of its new term, attention is already turning to the work awaiting MSPs which will shape Scotland's fiscal and legislative agenda for the year ahead.
When Parliament returns in September, the Scottish Government will present its first Programme for Government. The First Minister will use it to set out the Government's legislative prog... economy
08-07-2026
Scottish and UK governments urged to seize ‘genuine opportunities’ to revive the economy as business confidence slumps
New research from the Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) shows firms are entering the second half of 2026 with business confidence continuing to weaken, reinforcing a cautious outlook for growth.
As a new Prime Minister prepares to enter Downing Street and the Scottish Government undertakes a review of Non-Domestic Rates, SCC urged both governments to take advantage of these oppor... QEI
03-07-2026
BLOG: Turning Scotland’s Strengths into Export Growth
Scotland’s recent outing on the global stage at the World Cup ended with a cruel twist of irony.
Brazil, the most successful country in the history of the World Cup, owes some of that success to the Scottish pioneers who helped export the beautiful game across the globe. Although that was little consolation as Brazil swept Scotland aside in Miami.
Footballing woes asid... international-trade
03-07-2026
Why Labour cannot turn down this £28 billion North Sea oil and gas prize
This article was first published in The Scotsman on 3 July 2026
When people think about North Sea oil and gas, they tend to think about platforms, reserves and production figures. Those things matter, but they are only part of the story. Behind every major energy project sits a much wider economy: ports, fabricators, engineers, logistics firms, manufacturers, apprentices, project ... energy
02-07-2026
Agreement signed to strengthen business ties between Scotland and India
A new agreement has been signed between leading business networks in Scotland and India to strengthen ties and unlock trade opportunities.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Scottish Chambers of Commerce and the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (AssoCham India) will cement a closer working relationship between the organisations and their members.
... international-trade
29-06-2026
‘Boring 20s’ might be exactly what Scotland needs
This article was first published in The Herald on 29 June 2026
They say history repeats itself, but there is also evidence to the contrary.
At the start of the 2020s, the optimists among us may have hoped to enjoy a new ‘Roaring Twenties’, recalling the widespread economic growth and prosperity of the Jazz Age.
Those hopes were quickly dashed.
... economy
26-06-2026
Industry welcomes changes to UK steel trade measures
The UK Government has revised its planned steel trade measures ahead of their introduction on 1 July, following sustained representations from businesses concerned by the impact on downstream manufacturers.
The Scottish Chambers of Commerce and Scottish Engineering have cautiously welcomed the changes as a positive step, while calling for continued engagement with industry to ensur... general
26-06-2026
BLOG: Supporting UK steel and strengthening UK manufacturing
Good industrial policy starts with a clear objective. It also depends on listening when businesses explain how policy will work in practice.
The debate around the UK's new steel trade measures is a good example.
Supporting a strong domestic steel sector is an important ambition. Steel underpins infrastructure, defence, energy security and manufacturing across the UK. Building th... general
24-06-2026
SCC comments on review of Business Rates
Charandeep Singh BEM, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
"The announcement from Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth is welcome and Scotland’s businesses will hope it proves to be a step towards meaningful reform of non-domestic rates in Scotland.
“Scottish Chambers of Commerce has been calling for an urgent overhaul of the current system for a number of years and... economy
23-06-2026
SCC welcomes Scottish Government’s US Export Plan
Commenting on the Scottish Government's US Export Plan, Scottish Chambers of Commerce Chief Executive Charandeep Singh BEM said:
“The United States is one of Scotland’s most important economic partners, with a relationship built on centuries of trade, investment, and the exchange of ideas. From Scottish pioneers who helped shape America’s growth to the businesses driving transatlantic commer... energy
