Responding to the First Minister’s speech in the Scottish Parliament which outlined the Scottish Government’s policy priorities for the next three years, Dr Liz Cameron CBE, Chief Executive, Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:

On DRS:

“The business community will welcome the First Minister’s sensible move to delay the launch of the Deposit Return Scheme to March 2024. The scheme, in its current form, is not fit for purpose and not suited to bringing SMEs onboard during a cost-of-doing-business crisis.

“The Scottish Government must now work with the business community to ensure that the scheme is redesigned to address the magnitude of concerns that firms have put forward, and to make it workable for all affected businesses.”

On alcohol advertising:

“The First Minister was right to highlight the widespread concern from multiple industries such as hospitality and food & drink over the government’s excessive proposals to limit the capacity for marketing their goods. Especially without significant evidence that they would make a real difference in addressing alcohol consumption in Scotland.

“The proposals must be significantly revised to address industry concerns. At the same time, the government should carry out a detailed investigation into the drivers for Scotland’s established trend in declining alcohol consumption and take proportionate measures that are clearly targeted at continuing those trends.”

On a ‘New Deal’ for business:

“This is a positive first step from the government towards addressing the resetting of the relationship with the business community. We are ready and willing to work constructively with the Scottish Government to develop a world-leading economy that attracts investment, creates jobs, and is globally competitive.”