North East businesses have called for a package of measures from the Scottish Government as Holyrood returns from recess and the First Minister unveils her policy programme for the year ahead.

Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce want to see the following priorities delivered:

  • Urgent action to reduce the burden of non-domestic rates for businesses, as costs spiral due to historically high levels of inflation.
  • Increased the pace and scale of investment in energy transition, to secure Aberdeen’s place as the Net Zero Capital of Europe, providing cleaner, cheaper energy sooner for businesses and households.
  • Award Green Freeport status to the North East of Scotland, delivering 32,000 high-quality jobs and an £8.5 billion GVA boost.
  • Investment in North East infrastructure, including plans taken forward to reinstate rail to Peterhead and Fraserburgh, improved journey times to the central belt and route development funding for better direct air links from Aberdeen.
  • Capital support for Aberdeen’s city centre and beachfront redevelopment plans.
  • Delivering on the National Strategy for Economic Transformation, with a priority upon attracting the right people and skills that Scotland’s economy needs to flourish.

Commenting ahead of the publication of the Programme for Government today, Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce Policy Director Ryan Crighton said:

“The current pressures on business and the huge upheaval facing our economy necessitates big ideas and, in some cases, a fundamental rethink of how we enable business to lead economic recovery and growth.

“Our members are crystal clear — business rates can be punitive, they are a regressive tax on job creation and, in the current climate, they can prove fatal to business.

“It is a lever which the Scottish Government has the ultimate capacity to shape in a way which can unlock prosperity. That’s why in this year’s Programme for Government we want to see urgent action to reduce the rates burden on business and incentivise growth.

“Further to that, we need to see action on energy transition — a shared priority for government and business and one which businesses in the North East of Scotland are uniquely placed to take the lead on.

“Unlocking that green energy future comes with awarding Green Freeport status to our region’s compelling bid and unlocking 32,000 new jobs.

“And of course, the vision we have for our region has to be supported by the right investment in infrastructure if we are to fulfil our potential as a place where people from across the world want to come to live, work, study and visit.”

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