Scottish business coalition calls for competitiveness, investment certainty and delivery ahead of Holyrood election

A broad coalition of Scottish business and industry organisations has published a joint manifesto setting out a shared economic mandate for the next Scottish Parliament, urging all political parties to prioritise competitiveness, infrastructure delivery and skills as the foundations of sustainable growth.

Trade Associations’ Scotland represent employers and supply chains across energy, infrastructure, housing, property, retail, food and drink, tourism and hospitality and the wider service economy.

The 13 Scottish trade associations warn that policy uncertainty, slow planning and infrastructure constraints are already delaying investment decisions across Scotland.

Trade Associations’ Scotland represents nearly £90 billion GVA and more than 1.4 million jobs, underpinning Scotland’s future prosperity. The manifesto highlights the scale of opportunity if long-term policy frameworks align with private capital.

“Businesses are ready to invest but confidence depends on tax competitiveness, policy stability, faster delivery and infrastructure that works,” said Claire Mack, Scottish Renewables’ Chief Executive, on behalf of Trade Associations’ Scotland. “This is not about special pleading for any one sector. It is about creating an investable environment where jobs, homes, town centres and energy projects can be delivered at pace.”

Independent analysis shows Scotland’s renewable energy sector already supports around 47,000 jobs and £15.5 billion of economic activity, while retail, housing and the built environment continue to underpin employment, town centre vitality and public revenues in every part of the country.

However, the coalition argues that without clearer long-term signals from government, Scotland risks weaker growth, stalled regeneration and lost competitiveness.

The manifesto calls on all political parties to commit to:

• Tax competitiveness and a stable and predictable economic framework that allows investors to plan for the long term
• A clear, integrated infrastructure strategy, aligning energy networks, transport, housing and digital connectivity
• Reset planning and consenting to accelerate housing delivery, regeneration, brownfield and marine development
• Skills and workforce alignment, particularly in energy, construction and digital sectors
• A managed energy transition that prioritises homegrown energy including renewables growth while protecting skilled jobs and supply chains in oil and gas

Trade Associations’ Scotland also highlights the need to address grid constraints, electricity curtailment and slower progress on heat and transport decarbonisation, warning that these issues are increasing costs for consumers and holding back investment.

“Scotland has the assets, skills and ambition to compete globally,” Claire Mack added. “What businesses are asking for now is delivery: joined-up policy, infrastructure that unlocks growth, and a workforce strategy aligned to future demand. The next Parliament has a real opportunity to set that direction.”

“We are ready to work constructively with all parties as they develop their manifestos ahead of the election. We have a shared goal of strengthening Scotland’s economic resilience and long-term prosperity.” 

Ends

Notes to editors

• The manifesto has been coordinated by Trade Associations’ Scotland - a coalition of business and industry organisations representing a wide cross-section of the Scottish economy.
• Read 'Scotland's economic mandate for the next parliament' manifesto on  Scottish Renewables' website.
• Participating organisations involved are: Association of British Insurers, Food and Drink Federation Scotland, Homes for Scotland, Logistics UK, Offshore Energies UK, Salmon Scotland, Scotch Whisky Association, Scottish Engineering, Scottish Property Federation, Scottish Renewables, Scottish Retail Consortium, Scottish Tourism Alliance and UKHospitality Scotland.
• For further information or comment, please contact:
  Richard.crighton@bigpartnership.co.uk or paul.murphie@bigpartnership.co.uk.