Press & Policy

Last week, I had the pleasure of returning to Dundee, the city of discovery, to speak at the Annual Association Meeting of the Highland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (HRFCA). Surrounded by an atmosphere of innovation and ambition, and joined by Lord Provost Bill Campbell, the event brought one central truth into sharp focus: Scotland’s economic resilience and future prosperity depend entirely on the strength of our partnerships. When our communities, employers, and public institutions work as one, we are uniquely equipped to navigate a rapidly changing economic landscape.

Across the Scottish Chambers network, we see firsthand how people, technology, and preparedness are shaping our future. In critical sectors like advanced manufacturing, engineering, and digital technologies, businesses are facing complex new challenges. Cyber security, for instance, is no longer a niche IT issue: with nearly 40% of UK businesses reporting a cyber incident or threat in 2025, it is a fundamental business risk.

To navigate these challenges, employers are desperately looking for talent with a specific mindset: people who can lead teams, manage risk, adapt under pressure, and operate confidently in complex environments.

This is exactly where the armed forces community comes in. Service leavers, reservists, cadets, and military families possess these highly sought-after strengths in abundance. The Scottish Chambers of Commerce actively helps employers translate these military-developed skills into direct business solutions, supporting SMEs to build flexible, confident employment models that benefit everyone.

This isn’t just theory for me; I have seen the value of this community firsthand. During my time with the HRFCA in Akrotiri, Cyprus, in 2018, participating in mock scenarios taught me the irreplaceable value of agile teamwork and sharp communication—skills vital to modern business.

More personally, during the pandemic, I founded the Sikh Food Bank. Our multi-faith volunteer effort was immensely strengthened by the dedication of two RAF corporals, Jade Ellis and the late Jon Ward. Their commitment in a time of profound national challenge is a perfect example of what a whole-of-society approach looks like in practice.

Through initiatives like ChamberFORCE – a partnership between local Chambers and the Reserve Forces and Cadets Associations – we are formalizing these connections. The Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce has been a shining example of this, giving local employers practical ways to tap into the leadership and problem-solving capabilities of the armed forces community. Beyond our borders, we are applying this same collaborative spirit internationally, such as taking Scottish businesses to Poland to support the Rebuild Ukraine mission.

The power of Scotland’s skills and industrial base was thrust into the global spotlight again recently with Norway’s decision to select Glasgow-built Type 26 frigates for its future fleet.

This is a monumental win for Scottish industry. Valued at around £10 billion, this agreement will:

• Support 2,000 jobs directly at BAE Systems’ Glasgow shipyards.
• Sustain another 2,000 jobs across the broader UK maritime supply chain.
• Directly benefit 103 Scottish businesses, including 54 local SMEs.
• Cement Scotland’s reputation as a global leader in maritime engineering.

With work expected to continue into the late 2030s, and with Australia and Canada already licensing the Type 26 design, this investment offers long-term stability. It translates to high-value manufacturing, sustained skilled jobs, and massive export potential for a sector that has defined Scotland’s industrial identity for generations.

My time in Dundee speaking with civic leaders, employers, and the armed forces community reinforced a simple reality. Whether we are building world-class naval frigates on the Clyde, strengthening our digital defenses against cyber threats, or integrating the phenomenal talent of our veterans into the local workforce, we succeed when we work together.

SCC will continue to champion the role of business in driving innovation and economic opportunity. Thank you to the HRFCA for the invitation, and for the vital work you do across our communities.

By Charandeep Singh, Chief Executive, Scottish Chambers of Commerce