The voice of the Scottish business community is being heard “at the heart of government,” wellbeing economy secretary Neil Gray has told a group of industry leaders.

At the Scottish Chambers of Commerce annual dinner in Glasgow last night, November 30th, the cabinet secretary said he was committed to strengthening the partnership with business and consulting on policy.

“The voice of business is not just being listened to, it is being put at the heart of government,” stated Gray. “We have published an implementation plan on recommendations deriving from the New Deal Group and I am very conscious that, to keep earning your trust, I must deliver on it.

“This will not provide a solution to all policy issues or stop differences of opinion, but I hope it will ensure that we operate based on no surprises. Our policy should be informed by your expertise and your business planning should be informed by clear, early signals of policy.”

The government’s New Deal for Business Group was created earlier this year as a forum between government and business leaders on how Scottish companies can be supported better, not least through policy.

The recommendations from the New Deal Group included having business voices involved in policy development, assessing the impact of regulations on business in different ways, and keeping non-domestic rates reforms under review.

Read More