The Chamber's new Supply Chain and Procurement Survey revealed that 28% of Chamber members had experienced unacceptable delays due to congestion when receiving, moving or delivering goods. The study, conducted as part of wider research by British Chambers of Commerce, showed that in total seven out of 10 businesses had experienced some kind of transport issue, including higher than expected costs and goods damaged in transit.
The single most important step businesses wanted to see taken to improve transport was the upgrading of local infrastructure, with one in three also calling for greater local control of major projects.
Robert Collier, chief executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: "As the base for world class businesses it is imperative that we achieve fit for purpose transport infrastructure if our economy is to remain competitive. Our region is heavily reliant upon road and air connections when it comes to doing business. The impacts of current problems, particularly road congestion, are financial and reputational.
"Our businesses can only do so much on their own in this area to ensure they are delivering goods and services to clients on time and to budget. Ultimately, we need to see significant public sector transport infrastructure investment for the North-east to remain an economic driver for Scotland and the UK. The AWPR, the third Don crossing, improvements to the Haudagain and further investment in key arterial routes are essential for future prosperity and for the quality of life of those who live and work here."
The Chamber represents around 1,200 member businesses in the Northeast, ranging from SMEs to multinationals, which employ some 90,000 people.
