CBI Scotland responds to the programme for government

CBI Scotland Director, Tracy Black said:

 “This is a positive set of recommendations but as ever the devil is in the detail.

“The commitment of new funding to support exporting is welcome. Scotland has a proud legacy when to comes to exporting but we can and should do more. Supporting businesses in Scotland to increase their exports can deliver real economic benefits and we look forward to working closely with the government to achieve this important goal.

“We’re also pleased the First Minister has listened to our joint call with the STUC to make upskilling and retraining a priority. The changing world of work presents a shared challenge that employers, trade unions and government must face together - a new national retraining partnership can help to get us on the front foot and meet the challenge head-on.

“The commitments outlined in the Programme for Government to invest in infrastructure and digital connectivity rightly prioritises two key drivers of productivity – as identified by CBI Scotland in last year’s Pursuing Prosperity report.

“The Programme for Government set out a range of plans to support the Scottish Government’s commitment to clean energy and the move to a low carbon economy. Businesses share that objective and key to delivering these aims will be collaboration in setting, and ultimately reaching ambitious and achievable targets.”

“We also strongly urge the Scottish Government to look again at any proposals for an out-of-town levy which could hurt firms with a large economic footprint in local communities.”