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 most significant gatherings in Scotland’s business calendar, this year’s Annual Business Address will be hosted by BBC broadcaster Fiona Stalker in front of an audience of more than 500 business leaders, policymakers and stakeholders at the black-tie dinner.
The timely event follows the UK Budget a week earlier, with the draft Scottish Budget due to be unveiled on December 3.
Scottish Chambers of Commerce, a network representing more than 12,000 companies and more than half of Scotland’s private sector workforce, has been campaigning for action from both governments to ease cost pressures on businesses while unlocking substantial new investment, employment and growth.
First Minister John Swinney said:
“Businesses sit at the very heart of Scotland’s communities, creating jobs, driving growth and supporting local economies. The Scottish Chambers of Commerce Annual Business Address is a valuable opportunity for government to hear directly from companies about the challenges they face and the opportunities ahead.
“We will continue to listen to businesses as we grow the economy, which is central to our efforts to raise living standards and tackle child poverty. Scotland has real strengths and remains the UK’s top destination outside London for inward investment.
“I look forward to discussing how we build on that success to attract investment and create jobs the length and breadth of Scotland.”
Charandeep Singh BEM, Scottish Chambers of Commerce Chief Executive, said:
“We are delighted the First Minister will be joining the distinguished line-up of speakers for our flagship Annual Business Address in Glasgow next month.
“This event brings together leading figures from the worlds of business and politics as we jointly reflect on the great many challenges and opportunities facing every corner of Scotland today.
“The Annual Business Address will be a celebration of all that is great about Scotland, our hugely talented people and the country’s world-leading businesses, while also providing an opportunity to share our ideas on the obstacles we are still to overcome.”
As well as First Minister John Swinney and Charandeep Singh BEM, guests at the Annual Business Address will hear from Nigel Milton, Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer at Heathrow Airport, Lindsay McGranaghan, Senior Vice President for Scotland and Northern Ireland at CGI, and Scottish Chambers of Commerce President Rodney Ayre.
Nigel Milton, Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer at Heathrow, said:
“Linked by over 25 flights a day to and from Scotland, Heathrow plays an integral role in connecting Scottish businesses and their exports with over 200 destinations across the world.
“As a longstanding partner of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, we’re proud to support this great event, the highlight of the Scottish business calendar, once again.
“We look forward to catching up with existing and potential Scottish partners and suppliers on the evening.”
Lindsay McGranaghan, CGI Senior Vice President and Business Unit Leader for Scotland and Northern Ireland, said:
“CGI works with organisations across Scotland to help them harness technology, data and AI to deliver stronger services, greater resilience and long-term growth.
“As a longstanding partner of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, we’re proud to support the Annual Business Address once again and look forward to joining business leaders on the evening to discuss how innovation and digital transformation can help unlock economic growth across Scotland.”
World famous department store Fortnum & Mason is also among the sponsors of the event, alongside technology firm Trustmarque Ultima.
Cherrie Lo, Concierge Marketing & Business Development Lead – UK & International at Fortnum & Mason, said:
“At Fortnum & Mason, we’re proud to celebrate the relationships and partnerships that bring business communities together.
“We’re delighted to support the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Annual Business Address and to introduce Fortnum’s Concierge to Scotland’s business community, showcasing how we can support businesses with thoughtful gifting, bespoke hampers and personalised service for their clients, colleagues and partners.”
Simon Williams, CEO of Trustmarque Ultima, said:
“Trustmarque Ultima is proud to support the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Annual Business Address, bringing together leaders who are focused on growth, resilience and long-term regional success.
“For us, this is about helping businesses and public sector organisations turn technology from a cost pressure into a source of advantage. Freeing up time, budget and capacity so they can move faster, serve their communities better and build with confidence for the future.”
Tickets remain available for this event. Further details are available here – https://www.scottishchambers.org.uk/events/scc-annual-business-address-2026/
