Russell Borthwick, chief executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said:
“We have faced a long period of uncertainty with two General Elections, a Holyrood election and the Scottish Independence and EU referenda in the space of less than three years and now it has to be time to get back to business.
“The number one priority has to be the formation of a stable Government that can provide the leadership necessary during the next five years at least and put in place the long term planning that the UK so badly needs. All parties must work collaboratively for the good of the nation instead of playing politics. The most pressing ‘asks’ from businesses are:
- On Brexit: securing a deal on the rights of EU nationals to live and work in the UK; agreeing a migration policy which meets the skills needs of all business sectors and ensuring that our exporters can competitively sell their goods and services in overseas markets
- On Industrial Strategy: Developing a clear plan focused primarily on place and aligned nationally with key sector clusters including oil & gas, food & drink and digital
- On Business Costs: A commitment to no new or additional up-front taxes
- On infrastructure: Investment in the physical and digital connectivity projects that will kick start economic growth in the regions
“The North-east economy is at a key crossroads and businesses are looking for a stable platform from which to build for the future. Westminster, Holyrood and local governments must provide the conditions and confidence to enable the re-establishment of this region as an economic powerhouse both in Scottish and UK terms.”