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 Jenny Gilruth MSP and Scottish Chambers of Commerce, which was attended by businesses, Ministers, the Chamber Network and international partners.
Following a summer that saw Scotland in the international spotlight through the World Cup, Commonwealth Games and Edinburgh Festivals, discussion focused on how that profile can be converted into commercial opportunities, stronger export growth and greater access to overseas markets.
The evening also highlighted the International Trade Partnership between Scottish Chambers of Commerce and the Scottish Government as a practical route to helping more Scottish businesses grow internationally.
Rodney Ayre, President of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“Scotland has had a remarkable year on the world stage. From major sporting moments to our festivals and cultural exports, we have once again been seen and heard around the world. Now, business and government must work together to use the springboard provided by the spirit of the Tartan Army and our summer in the spotlight, making sure that profile translates into new relationships, investment, and opportunities for Scottish businesses.
“Our recent engagement with a major business delegation from India showed what that can look like in practice. With the free trade agreement opening new doors, the Chamber Network brought businesses together to build relationships and identify new commercial opportunities.
“When Scottish companies win overseas, the benefits are felt here at home through investment, jobs and stronger local economies.”
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government Jenny Gilruth said:
“The Scottish Chambers of Commerce network brings together Scotland’s diverse business community – and that collective voice matters.
“It is a spirit of partnership that is one of Scotland’s greatest strengths, and it sits at the heart of the Programme for Government that the First Minister set out just a few weeks ago.
“This government will work with employers, investors and industry leaders to remove barriers to growth and unlock new opportunities.
“Together we can help more businesses realise their ambitions and ensure the benefits of economic growth are felt in communities across the country.”
Charandeep Singh BEM, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“The International Trade Partnership is giving Scottish businesses practical support to build relationships, enter new markets and grow overseas, and we are grateful to the Scottish Government and our Chamber Network for their continued partnership.
“But exporting takes time, capacity and investment. For SMEs in particular, making the most of opportunities overseas also depends on having the right conditions to grow at home.
“If we are to help more businesses export, both governments must get the basics right in the months ahead. For the UK Government, that means ending the tax on jobs created by higher employer National Insurance. In Scotland, it means using the Budget to strengthen Fresh Start relief so more vacant retail and hospitality units can be brought back into productive use, regardless of how long they have been empty.”
