Press & Policy

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 extraordinary talent, ambition and determination of Scotland’s business community.

And the remarkable work of our Chamber Network too, reaching into every corner of the country and outwards to the world.

To the countless businesses I’ve engaged with, thank you for your support over these initial months – and, more importantly, thank you for your energy, your ideas and your continued ambition for Scotland.

It’s these engagements that always remind me: we firmly believe that Scotland can be the best place in the world to do business.

That’s the ambition at the heart of our Plan for Growth.

It’s a big ambition. And I make no apology for that.

But achieving it requires us to focus on three things.

A competitive Scotland.

An international Scotland.

And an ambitious Scotland.

Let me start with competitiveness.

Through years of rising costs, economic uncertainty and ever-increasing pressures, our members have demonstrated remarkable resilience.

But friends, resilience is no substitute for growth.

And survival should never be the limit of our ambition.

Last week’s UK Budget did fall short.

Employer National Insurance remains a major burden.

Scotch whisky faces another duty increase.

And policy choices continue to undermine the energy transition.

At times, it can feel as if the one area where the UK is unrivalled is in the production of new costs for businesses.

But decisions over tax and regulation have real world consequences.

For jobs.

For investment.

For business confidence.

First Minister, Scotland’s Budget is an opportunity to send a powerful signal.

Our priorities have been made loud and clear.

So whether it’s business rates, infrastructure, or our key industries… we want one question answered before every economic decision:

Does this put Scotland behind, or ahead of, our competitors?

We welcome the Scottish Government’s renewed determination to deliver growth.

And Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network intends to play its full part in that endeavor.

My second ambition is for Scotland to be even more successful on the world stage.

Scotland has been a trading nation for centuries – we have been international, right from the very start of the Chambers’ story.

And our Chamber Network continues that tradition today.

West Highland Chamber has just returned from Canada, Edinburgh Chamber, currently in China and Hong Kong, and Glasgow Chamber’s work in Germany.

And of course, our trade missions to the USA, recognising it remains one of Scotland’s most important economic partners.

Another central focus for Scottish Chambers of Commerce is India.

Just last week, I was delighted to join the First Minister visiting New Delhi, Gujarat and Mumbai…

Joined by our partners at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry, and I’m so pleased they are represented here tonight.

First Minister, we welcome your investment in our International Trade Partnership.

Scottish Chambers of Commerce intends to build on that momentum.

In 2027, we will establish a series of business-led networks connecting trade organisations and government to create new global opportunities.

And tonight, I’m delighted to announce the first.

Fresh from our 10-day mission to India, we will launch the Scotland-India Business Network.

Opening new doors for hundreds of Scotland’s most dynamic companies in a market that could be worth over three billion pounds by 2030.

Success in international trade isn’t measured by the number of photographs taken or hands shaken… despite what my LinkedIn might suggest!

It’s measured by the deals signed, the markets opened and the jobs created.

That’s what we’re here to deliver.

And that brings me to my third priority.

An ambitious Scotland.

One that invests in its greatest asset – its people.

Across the country, businesses of all sizes are struggling to find the skills they need to grow.

And we cannot expect our economy to reach its full potential without a system that responds to the needs of employers.

We need long-term certainty on apprenticeship funding.

Sustainable investment in our colleges and universities.

And a strong business voice at the heart of the debate.

We must also prepare people for the opportunities ahead.

And yes, that includes AI.

We must recognize too that Scotland’s regions have different strengths, challenges, and opportunities.

From our cities to our rural and island communities.

Every part of Scotland must have a stronger voice in shaping the priorities that will drive economic growth.

Because Scotland’s economic success will be shaped by its people.

From the boardrooms of New York and New Delhi

To the bars of Boston and Miami where the Tartan Army made countless new friends – 2026 has been quite a year for us on the world stage.

And next year, some great events come to Scotland.

The Tour de France.

The World Rally Championship.

And the Open at St Andrews.

Three incredible opportunities to showcase our country.

But while the world comes to Scotland for these events, our businesses take Scotland to the world every day.

Behind that success are some remarkable people.

Brave entrepreneurs taking measured risks. Exciting innovators developing bright new ideas. Inspirational business leaders like those of you in this room, creating jobs.

We should be as committed to recognising these people as we are to supporting them.

So tonight, I have one final announcement.

At next year’s flagship event, we will unveil something entirely new.

A celebration of the extraordinary people shaping our economic future.

Scotland’s Power List.

From the founder to the finance director. From the factory floor to the boardroom.

Working with our outstanding local Chamber Network, we’ll shine a light on excellence across our business community.

Including, I imagine, a few of you here tonight.

Although I’m afraid buying me a drink later won’t guarantee inclusion!

Friends, let me conclude with this.

A competitive Scotland. An international Scotland. An ambitious Scotland.

These are the foundations of a stronger country.

Scotland has everything it takes to succeed.

The talent. The ideas. The entrepreneurial spirit.

Our job, as business leaders, Chambers and governments, is to open doors.

To give the next generation every opportunity to succeed.

Because Scotland was never meant to think small.

And together…

We will make it the best place in the world to do business.

Thank you.

Note: This text reflects the prepared remarks for Charandeep Singh BEM’s speech at the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Annual Business Address on 5 November 2026 and may differ slightly from the speech as delivered.