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
Sign up to ‘The SCC Briefing‘ – Your go-to weekly briefing for must read business news, policy developments, updates and upcoming events.
Latest 20 posts. Please use the filters above to see more.
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
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
