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.
06-11-2026
Charandeep Singh Sets Out Ambition for Scotland at Annual Business Address 2026
First Minister, distinguished guests, colleagues and friends.
Good evening.
It is a real pleasure to join you for the 2026 Annual Business Address.
My first as Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce.
And what a year it has been.
From Holyrood to Westminster.
From Wick to London.
From New York to New Delhi.
I've had the privilege of seeing first-hand the extraor... energy
06-11-2026
Scotland’s business stars to take centre stage in new ‘Power List’
Scottish Chambers of Commerce has unveiled plans for a new national ‘Power List’, celebrating the leaders and innovators shaping the country’s future.
The announcement was made at the organisation’s flagship Annual Business Address in Glasgow last night, where more than 500 leaders from business, government and the Chamber Network gathered to celebrate Scottish success and hear ambitious pla... energy
30-10-2026
BLOG: Investment stalls in Scotland’s services sector
Investment gives businesses the capacity to become more productive and take on new work. Our latest Quarterly Economic Indicator shows too many businesses across Scotland’s services sector are still putting those decisions on hold.
Our latest survey found that overall investment was flat in Q3 2026. Capital investment remained in negative territory at -5%, while training investment... QEI
28-10-2026
UK Budget fails to reassure Scottish businesses, warns SCC
Responding to the Chancellor's UK Budget, Charandeep Singh BEM, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“This Budget will not provide the reassurance our members were seeking at a time when employers across Scotland are crying out for action to alleviate the high cost of doing business.
“Employer National Insurance contributions remain at 15%, Scotch whisky distillers face a... economy
25-10-2026
Budget 2026: SCC calls on Chancellor to restore conditions for growth
These priorities were first published in Scotland on Sunday, 25 October 2026
Ahead of the UK Budget, Scottish Chambers of Commerce has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, setting out a 10-point plan to restore business confidence, unlock private investment and support economic growth. Our proposals reflect the growing pressures facing employers, from rising labour costs and taxation t... economy
23-10-2026
Building Scotland’s future means investing in construction skills
Recruitment challenges and rising labour costs are putting Scotland’s construction workforce under increasing pressure, threatening the sector’s ability to deliver the homes, infrastructure and energy projects Scotland needs.
The latest Scottish Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Indicator found that 70% of construction firms reported recruitment difficulties, an increase of 2... QEI
21-10-2026
SCC welcomes approval of Jackdaw
Welcoming the approval of the Jackdaw Gasfield, Charandeep Singh BEM, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
"This is welcome news and a real moment of confidence for the businesses who have been quietly building towards this point for years. Jackdaw is ready and, with gas set to be flowing into homes up and down the country within weeks, it shows what our energy sector can de... energy
21-10-2026
Scottish businesses to benefit from £500,000 trade push
Support to build international partnerships and boost exports.
Scottish businesses are set to benefit from £500,000 of Scottish Government support for a programme of trade missions to help companies grow exports and build global partnerships.
The First Minister announced the funding whilst addressing the Scotland-India Business Forum in Delhi. It will enable the Scottish Chambers of Com... international-trade
15-10-2026
Opinion: You can’t tackle the cost of living without tackling the cost of doing business
If the UK and Scottish governments are serious about tackling the cost of living, they must turn their attention to tackling the cost of doing business.
The connection between the two can sometimes get lost in the political debate. Ahead of the upcoming UK and Scottish budgets, calls from business for lower costs, tax reform or regulatory change are easily characterised as companie... QEI
15-10-2026
THREE IN FOUR SCOTTISH BUSINESSES EXPECT TO RAISE PRICES AS CHAMBERS URGE ACTION ON COSTS
74 per cent of Scottish businesses expect to increase prices over the next three months – 19 percentage points higher than a year ago
Labour costs remain the biggest pressure on firms, while utilities, fuel and taxation continue to weigh heavily
Scottish Chambers of Commerce warns rising business costs will ultimately be felt by households
Almost t... QEI
13-10-2026
FIRST MINISTER TO DELIVER SCOTTISH CHAMBERS ANNUAL BUSINESS ADDRESS
First Minister John Swinney has been announced as the keynote speaker for the upcoming Scottish Chambers of Commerce Annual Business Address 2026.
Guests at the marquee event, which is due to be held in Glasgow on the evening of November 5, will also hear from CGI, one of the world’s largest IT companies, and Heathrow Airport, a vital hub for flights to and from Scotland.
One of the mos... general
09-10-2026
Scotland’s transport ambitions need a stronger route to delivery
Scotland’s economy depends on people and goods being able to move efficiently around the country and connect with markets beyond it.
For our members, reliable transport links mean much more than simply getting from A to B. It affects access to workers, customers, suppliers and investment. When connections are unpredictable, the consequences are felt in recruitment, productivity, vi... economy
02-10-2026
Blog: Local government reform must strengthen Scotland’s regional economies
The shape of local government may feel distant from the day-to-day pressures facing businesses. But the organisations responsible for transport, housing, skills and infrastructure can have a direct bearing on where firms invest, recruit and grow.
A recent debate in the Scottish Parliament has opened a wider discussion about whether those decisions should be made differently. The Sc... general
01-10-2026
SCC to join First Minister visit to India
First Published 29th September: First Minister to visit India - gov.scot
Scottish delegation will join FM to help boost trade.
First Minister John Swinney will lead a trade mission during an official visit to India in October.
During the visit, the First Minister will meet senior business leaders to promote Scotland's economic interests and strength... international-trade
25-09-2026
Blog: Unleashing Scotland’s Digital Potential
A century ago, business communication relied on letters carried by post and rail, terse telegrams and, increasingly, the telephone. Connecting with a customer, supplier or colleague in another part of the country could take hours or days.
Today, that same exchange can happen in seconds.
Video calls, cloud-based systems, online sales, digital payments and instant access... economy
25-09-2026
SCC comments on increased funding for modern apprenticeships
The Scottish Government has announced a 10% increase in apprenticeship contribution rates from 2027-28, worth £8.8 million across all apprenticeship frameworks.
Responding, Charandeep Singh BEM, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“The £8.8 million uplift for apprenticeships is a welcome investment in the future of Scotland’s workforce that will give employer... skills
18-09-2026
BLOG: North Sea Delays Put Scottish Investment at Risk
The UK will continue to need oil and gas as it moves towards a lower-carbon energy system. The question is how much of that energy should be produced at home and how much should come from overseas.
A new report from Offshore Energies UK says imports now meet more than 40% of UK energy demand. It estimates that the UK offshore energy industry supports around 245,000 jobs and contrib... energy
15-09-2026
Scotland to channel ‘spirit of the Tartan Army’ in fresh drive for business growth
Business and government leaders have set out a shared ambition for Scotland to capitalise on a year in the global spotlight, turning international profile and connections cultivated during the World Cup and Commonwealth Games into new opportunities for businesses.
The message was at the heart of the Scottish Business Reception at Edinburgh Castle, hosted by Deputy First Minister Je... energy
11-09-2026
A route to growth for the North Highlands
This article was first printed in the John O'Groat Journal on 11 September 2026
Charandeep Singh BEM, Chief Executive, Scottish Chambers of Commerce, Trudy Morris, Chief Executive, North Highland Chamber of Commerce
The new dual-route PSO connecting Wick with Glasgow and Aberdeen is a useful reminder of what improved connectivity can unlock for this region.
Cutting ... general
04-09-2026
BLOG: The Business Test for Scotland’s Programme for Government
The Scottish Government has published its plans for the next five years, covering priorities from economic growth and public services to child poverty and climate change.
For businesses, the important question is what these plans will change in practice. Will projects move faster? Will employers find the skills they need? And will Scotland become a more attractive place to invest, ... economy
