A senior delegation from Scottish Chambers of Commerce this week travelled to Westminster to meet with Business Secretary, Lord Mandelson, to discuss key Scottish business issues, including bank lending, the oil and gas sector, the whisky trade and the energy industry. Speaking after the meeting, Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said:
"Scottish businesses are vital to the UK economy, particularly as we head towards recovery. We are fully committed to supporting Scottish business and ensuring that thriving sectors, such as oil and gas, energy and digital media are able to take full advantage of the upturn. I am grateful for the crucial work the Scottish Chambers of Commerce does to support businesses in the region."
Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce added:
“As Scotland looks to emerge from the deep recession of the past year and as we enter an election year, Westminster and the decisions taken there are of keen importance to the Scottish business community. Our members took the opportunity to deliver strong messages to the Secretary of State, based upon their experience at the sharp end of the Scottish economy. Our aim is to work with Government to help identify the barriers to business growth and to assist in delivering the solutions that will put Scotland and the UK in a globally competitive position.
“Scottish businesses have a significant part to play in this process, and it is vital that the UK Government recognises both the needs and the potential for growth of key Scottish business sectors such as oil and gas, energy, digital media and bioscience. We welcome the fact that Lord Mandelson recognises and accepts that it is business that will lead the country on the path to renewed economic growth and that Scotland has a key role to play in this.”
