Press & Policy

Scottish Chambers of Commerce has unveiled plans for a new national ‘Power List’, celebrating the leaders and innovators shaping the country’s future.

The announcement was made at the organisation’s flagship Annual Business Address in Glasgow last night, where more than 500 leaders from business, government and the Chamber Network gathered to celebrate Scottish success and hear ambitious plans for the year ahead.

First Minister John Swinney delivered the keynote address at the event, hosted by BBC broadcaster Fiona Stalker at the DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central Hotel.

The event was supported by sponsors Heathrow Airport, CGI, Fortnum & Mason and Trustmarque Ultima, with guests also hearing addresses from Heathrow’s Nigel Milton and CGI’s Lindsay McGranaghan.

The inaugural ‘Scotland’s Power List’ will be the centrepiece of 2027’s event, shining a national spotlight on the people and organisations making an extraordinary contribution to Scotland’s success.

Prestigious honours will include ‘Business of the Year’ and ‘Lifetime Achievement’.

Announced by Scottish Chambers of Commerce Chief Executive Charandeep Singh BEM, the initiative forms part of a wider ambition to champion Scottish business excellence, strengthen international connections, and invest in the next generation of talent.

Speaking at the event, Mr Singh called for a renewed ambition to make Scotland the best place in the world to do business, highlighting the importance of backing businesses to invest, create jobs, and compete internationally.

He also revealed a new Scotland-India Business Network would be created to further strengthen ties between Scottish businesses and one of the world’s fastest growing economies.

Guests also heard from Rodney Ayre, Scottish Chambers of Commerce President, about the creation of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce 1948 Internship programme.

The scheme – named in recognition of the Chamber’s founding year – will offer interns first-hand experience of the Chambers’ work across policy, government, communications, business engagement, and international trade.

Charandeep Singh BEM, Scottish Chambers of Commerce Chief Executive, said:

“Scottish Chambers of Commerce is hugely ambitious for Scotland, its economy and its people. From entrepreneurs building businesses from the ground up to industry leaders competing on the world stage, there is so much about our business community that deserves to be recognised and celebrated.

“That is the ambition behind Scotland’s Power List. We want to shine a national spotlight on the people and organisations driving our economy forward, and inspire the next generation to follow in their footsteps.”

“But our ambition goes beyond celebrating success. We want to help create more of it. From opening doors to international markets through our new Scotland–India Business Network, to supporting the next generation through our 1948 Internship Programme, we are determined to create new opportunities for Scotland’s businesses and people.

“That is how we will keep making progress towards our ambition of making Scotland the best place in the world to do business.”

Founded in 1948, Scottish Chambers of Commerce today represents more than 12,000 companies and more than half of Scotland’s private sector workforce.

First Minister John Swinney said:

“Scotland has all the ingredients needed to succeed in a rapidly changing global economy: innovative businesses, a highly skilled workforce, world-leading universities and enormous entrepreneurial talent.

“The Scottish Chambers of Commerce plays an important role in representing companies across the country and ensuring their views help shape Scotland’s economic future. We will continue to work alongside the Chambers and employers to make it easier for businesses to invest in Scotland.

“This includes simplifying planning processes and accelerating nationally significant private sector projects to unlock investment, create jobs and help communities thrive.”

Rodney Ayre, President of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:

“For nearly 80 years, Scottish Chambers of Commerce has been championing Scotland’s businesses, making connections and helping people turn ambition into opportunity.

“We are enormously proud of that history, but our responsibility is also to look ahead. Scotland’s future success depends on the talent, ideas and ambition of the next generation.

“Our new 1948 Internship will give aspiring professionals the opportunity to develop their skills, build connections and gain real experience of the world of business. It’s a fitting way to celebrate our history while investing in the people who will shape Scotland’s future.”