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.
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
02-09-2026
New Glasgow – Wick route opens door to stronger Highland business links
Business chiefs say a new air route between Glasgow and Wick will be a “game changer” for investment and connectivity.
Following the launch of the new dual-route Public Service Obligation (PSO) between Wick and Glasgow, Scottish Chambers of Commerce Chief Executive Charandeep Singh BEM will fly north on the new Air Charter Scotland service for a two-day programme with businesses across the N... general
01-09-2026
SCC responds to Programme for Government 2026-31
Charandeep Singh BEM, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“Today’s Programme for Government contains welcome commitments on business priorities, including infrastructure delivery and skills, but there is more to do.
“The new Major Projects Office and national skills plan are positive steps, while the proposals on regional devolution could significantly reshape economic dec... general
31-08-2026
As summer fades, businesses are still waiting for certainty
This article was first printed in The Herald on 31 August 2026
It is hard to believe another summer has been and is now all but gone.
However much we may wish to deny it, there can be no doubt that the schools are back, the nights are drawing in, and supermarket shelves are already filling up with Halloween-related merchandise.
Any day now, someone is goin... general
31-08-2026
Scottish Chambers call for tax cuts and business rates overhaul to boost growth
Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) has urged the Scottish Government to cut income tax, overhaul business rates and accelerate major infrastructure projects as part of a package of measures designed to restore business confidence and unlock economic growth.
In its priorities for the 2026-27 Programme for Government, SCC warns that business confidence has failed to recover on a sus... energy
31-08-2026
Scottish Government urged to back P&J and Courier campaign to grow economy
Scottish ministers have been urged to back a campaign by The P&J and The Courier to breathe new life into Scotland’s high streets.
Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) has put an expansion of Fresh Start relief at the heart of its priorities for the Scottish Government’s 2026-27 Programme for Government.
The business organisation - which represents more than 12,000 ... energy
30-08-2026
SCC comments on Scottish Government’s First 100 Days
Charandeep Singh BEM, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“The new Scottish Government’s first 100 days have brought some encouraging signs. Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) has worked closely with ministers over the summer months to ensure economic growth is at the heart of its agenda.
“That engagement has been welcome – but businesses will now... general
28-08-2026
BLOG: Beyond Nightlife: The Future of Scotland’s Night-Time Economy
Scotland's night-time economy is a major driver of economic activity. Industry estimates suggest the sector generates £43.5 billion across the UK and supports more than 137,000 jobs in Scotland.
It also forms an important part of the visitor economy that helps attract people to our cities and towns. That may explain why Glasgow City Council is now recruiting for Scotland's first de... economy
20-08-2026
Turning Tourism Demand into Growth
Few would disagree that Scotland has had a significant summer on the world stage. Between the trials and tribulations of Scotland’s time in the World Cup, the Commonwealth Games returning to Glasgow, the global reach of Scotland’s screen locations, and the Edinburgh Fringe welcoming a record number of shows, you might expect Scotland’s tourism sector to be booming.
However, Scotland’s succes... QEI
17-08-2026
SCC responds to Sunday Post’s High Street Survey
More than 2,000 readers of the Sunday Post, The Courier and the P&J have shared their views on Scotland's high streets in a new survey.
Key national findings include:
40% of people said they visit their town/city centre less than they did a year ago
Three quarters (74%) don’t think their town/city centre is doing well. 34% think it is struggling. 40% think that it’s in decline.... economy
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
