North-east business leaders set out priorities for next government

Business leaders in the north-east have set out their priorities for the next Scottish Government to focus on.

Investment to support the energy transition, renewing physical and digital connectivity and retaining a skilled workforce are top of the agenda for Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce.

The manifesto was developed in consultation with chamber members ahead of the Holyrood election on May 6, and details the support firms believe is needed to drive growth and rebuild the region post-pandemic.

The chamber has identified six key areas for action:

• The need to work in partnership with the private and third sectors to rebuild the economy post-Covid-19
• Ensuring devolved tax policy encourages investment and entrepreneurship
• Investment in the region to deliver a ‘just transition’ recognising the leading role the north-east has to play in delivering national net-zero ambitions
• Strengthening physical and digital connectivity to safeguard economic resilience
• Having a clear focus on upskilling and reskilling opportunities for green jobs
• Developing and executing focused action plans to secure the revival of town and city centres

Copies of the manifesto will be distributed to all candidates in the Scottish Parliament election running in the north-east.

Shane Taylor, the chamber's policy manager, said: "Scotland goes to the polls on May 6 in one of the most important elections of our lifetimes. As a result of Covid-19 and the restrictions put in place to protect public health, our nation’s economy is at a crossroads.

"We have already lost many businesses and livelihoods with many more still at risk. The north-east has seen a disproportionate hit to employment, with the region accounting for one-third of redundancies under consultation via the Scottish Government’s PACE programme.

"Against this backdrop, decisions made in the coming months by our newly elected parliament will determine how we bounce back from this potentially crippling hit to our way of life and rebuild our economy quickly and sustainably.

"The chamber has engaged with and supported thousands of businesses in the North-east during the pandemic. We are the voice of our business community and are committed to ensuring our region’s priorities are heard and acted on in the corridors of power.

"This manifesto summarises what our members and stakeholders have been telling us and the key priority areas we need to see action from the next Scottish Parliament on to give the north-east the best chance of playing a key role in our national recovery.

"Despite the acute challenges brought about by Covid-19, our region has concrete ambitions to lead the UK’s energy transition and build on our fantastic talent and skills base by diversifying further into areas like sustainable tourism and food and drink production.

"The north-east business community stands ready to work with the next Scottish Government, and the wider Parliament, to make those ambitions a reality."

The chamber has published the manifesto ahead of a hustings event it is hosting on April 29, at which candidates from the main political parties will be given the opportunity to talk about their priorities and plans for the future of the region and the country as a whole.