Business demands drive on competitiveness – Daily Business

Business leaders will use Wednesday’s round table meeting with the First Minister John Swinney to push for policies that will drive competitiveness.

The meeting with business leaders and trade union officials marks the beginning of a year-long election campaign after Mr Swinney said he will bring forward the Scottish Government’s legislative plans.

He told the media at Bute House that the Programme for Government will be presented to the Scottish Parliament on 6 May.

It will aim to “ensure resilience” and deliver on the four core priorities to eradicate child poverty, grow the economy, tackle the climate emergency and ensure high quality and sustainable public services.

Warning of a risk to recession resulting from the trade war, the First Minister set out plans to immediately begin work with key partners in the business community and trade unions to map out the actions required to ensure the needs of the devolved nations are at the heart of UK decision-making.

“I know that this is a time of great uncertainty for people, that many families and businesses are worried about what global events will mean for them.

“We face yet another storm, after almost two decades of knocks and challenges – the financial crisis, austerity, Brexit, Covid, the energy price spike following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the subsequent inflation spike. Each has weakened us in some way, but none has defeated us.

“The Programme for Government will be laser-focused on delivery. It will set out what I believe my government can and will deliver for the people of Scotland over the coming year.

“The economic headwinds are blowing strong across the Atlantic and they demand a response that is both immediate and measured. My Programme for Government will set out what practical steps we will take to strengthen our response to those headwinds and ensure Scottish business and our economy is positioned well to create jobs and grow the economy.

“I want to make sure the UK Government understands where we need them to do much more to protect Scotland’s economic interests.

“As a result, I will be bringing together our key partners in the business community and the trades union movement on Wednesday to map out the actions we can take, here in Scotland, and which can be complemented across the UK, to respond to the emerging economic realities.

“That work will influence my government’s approach, and I want it to shape the response at a UK level into the bargain.”

Michelle Ferguson, director, CBI Scotland, said:  “Scottish businesses have been clear: there are no winners in a trade war. They need a measured and proportionate approach which avoids further escalation, disruption of supply chains, slower investment and higher prices.

“The First Minister’s commitment to working closely with businesses provides welcome reassurance about the importance of maintaining a calm and pragmatic response to the geopolitical headwinds. 

“For firms across Scotland, it is vital that the Scottish Government responds to the increased global disruption by taking steps to boost business competitiveness.

“Bringing forward the Programme for Government statement to next month will provide long-term clarity for businesses as they plan investments in Scotland. The Scottish and UK governments must also continue to work together and double down on free, fair and open trade.   

“CBI Scotland is looking forward to working with the Scottish Government at Wednesday’s meeting between business groups and the trade unions on the trade tariffs issue and sharing member insights.”