Scottish Financial Enterprise responds to Programme for Government

SFE Chief Executive Sandy Begbie CBE FRSE said:

"We welcome the focus in the programme for government on growing the economy, as the only way to sustainably fund our public services and deliver on important shared societal objectives such as eradicating child poverty and delivering the energy transition. In particular, plans to boost exports and create a single gateway to attract inward investment are a step in the right direction of turning a positive tone into meaningful action. As is the welcome removal of peak rail fares, which we have long called for and which will improve connectivity for workers and businesses.

"Businesses instinctively understand the fiscal constraints facing the government, but also the need for long-term strategic thinking that will deliver certainty and opportunity for both taxpayers and business. Political attention over the coming 12 months will inevitably turn towards the Holyrood election, and against that backdrop business will be watching closely for evidence that ministers continue to focus on economic - as well as political - priorities."