Responding to the latest update on lockdown restrictions from the First Minister, Dr Liz Cameron OBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“Businesses across Scotland have been desperately awaiting confirmation of a business routemap with indicative timelines as to when we can get closer to normality so there will be relief that, finally, this will be confirmed next week. This will be essential if businesses are to be able to plan and make critical decisions which will impact on our ability to remain viable and retain our employees.
“We continue to engage directly with the Scottish Government to feed in the views of business and we are pressing for a detailed timetabled re-opening plan that supports those sectors most at risk of permanent closure. We expect this plan to include a sequenced re-opening of sectors, indication of when domestic travel barriers will be removed and support packages for sectors that will have to stay closed for longer.
“Good progress has been made in the suppression of the spread of COVID-19 but we must continue to accelerate the vaccination roll-out.”
Commenting on the suspension of US tariffs on UK goods for four months, Dr Liz Cameron OBE, Director & Chief Executive, Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“We lift a dram while wearing our cashmere jumpers to those who have worked to suspend these damaging and unnecessary tariffs on key Scottish exports. The USA are our allies and a significant buyer of our goods and the warming of trade relations is an excellent sign. We look forward to both governments working together to settle this issue permanently as we narrow in on a trade deal.”
Commenting on the UK Budget delivered today by the Chancellor Rishi Sunak, Dr Liz Cameron OBE, Director & Chief Executive, Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“This budget was always going to be a difficult balance for the Chancellor, given we are still in the midst of a major economic and health crisis.
“There is good news on several fronts which will help businesses in Scotland plan with a level of confidence. In particular, the extension of the furlough scheme is a major boost which will help businesses retain as many jobs as possible and support thousands of employees across Scotland and indeed the UK.
“The extension of VAT reduction for the hardest hit sectors and investment incentives respond directly to our calls and will provide much-needed support to Scottish businesses.
“Reassurance has been provided today. But the Chancellor must keep the door open to providing more support if the pandemic hits our economic re-opening plans again.”
On extension of Employment Support measures and VAT holiday for the most affected businesses, Liz Cameron said:
“Our central call to the Chancellor was to extend the Coronavirus Jobs Retention Scheme, recognising just how essential it is to protect jobs and support businesses. The Chancellor has made the right decision to extend this lifeline support package as well as maintaining VAT reductions for the most-affected businesses.
“Let’s not lose sight that the doors of many businesses remain closed. The tapering of support may need to be reviewed for some sectors such as tourism to reflect the length of time it will take for businesses to reach operating capacity.
“The widening of the self-employment support scheme for the army of self-employed people is hugely welcome and will provide vital relief through the coming months.
“Both the Scottish & UK Government must now collaborate more than ever before to make sure businesses and jobs remain protected until we are well on the road to economic recovery.”
On those who have fallen through gaps in support, Liz Cameron said:
“Despite the widening of the self-employment support scheme, there are still too many businesses and individuals who have been unable to access any government support. They will require support too if they are to survive the difficult months ahead while the economy remains shuttered.”
On the super deduction investment incentive, Liz Cameron said:
“We called for bold incentives to encourage investment and we are pleased the Chancellor has listened. This incentive will provide a major boost for companies to invest and grow which will support economic recovery and productivity.”
On grant support funding, Liz Cameron said:
“The budget has provided an extra £1.2billion in consequentials for Scotland. Ideally this will be allocated to ensuring a level playing field is achieved where possible, including the training support for people of all ages which will be essential to put in place the right skills for economic recovery.
“The challenge now is to ensure that the consequentials provided to the Scottish Government are focused and targeted to the business community to help us not only recover, but to have a chance to develop our business models, reskill and ready to grasp future opportunities.”
On extension of Stamp Duty compared to Scotland’s housing market, Liz Cameron said:
“The Scottish Government must match an extension of the increased threshold for Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) to that of the stamp duty holiday in England if there is to be a level playing field in the property market from April to June. This could be a major boost to Scotland’s housebuilding industry and the wider supply chain.”
On investment in the North East of Scotland and green energy jobs, Liz Cameron said:
“Scotland’s energy industry has made a significant commitment to supporting the UK government’s net zero ambitions.
“The package of funding for the Aberdeen Energy Transition Zone and further support for the Global Underwater Hub will help support Scotland’s energy industry and its world class subsea sector to deliver the green jobs we all need to see as our industries and our economy recovers from the challenges of a global pandemic.
“The initial investment to develop a North Sea Transition deal is a welcome first step in galvanising the plans and investment required to deliver exciting projects in hydrogen, offshore wind and other clean energy technologies that will be essential to achieving UK net zero ambitions.”
On Freeports, Liz Cameron said:
“We understand that the Scottish Government is due to distribute its bid prospectus calling for interested parties to come forward with ideas to develop greenports / freeports. Speed is of the essence now and Scotland cannot be behind the ball on this one. We need both Governments to work together and align as far as is possible to ensure Scottish businesses can benefit from incentives and we attract global investment.”
On Corporation Tax, Liz Cameron said:
“The business community understands that the fiscal response to the pandemic has been extraordinary and someone needs to pay the piper, but we need to ensure that there are no changes in taxation that will harm the recovery. Therefore, we welcome the time-lag announced which will give businesses time to trade through this crisis before the tax increases are applied. We need the economy firing on all cylinders to ensure that damage inflicted by the pandemic does not become permanent.”
On the new UK-wide Recovery Loan Scheme, Liz Cameron said:
“We are pleased to see the successor to the CBILS and BBL loan schemes announced today. The new UK-wide Recovery Loan Scheme will play a practical role in providing much needed working capital to businesses all of sizes, and will play a critical role in helping businesses trade out of the crisis.”
Responding to the announcement by the UK Treasury of plans for £5billion Restart Grants for businesses that have been hit hardest by pandemic restrictions, Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said:
“The additional funds to support the cash flow of those businesses that have been hit hardest by closures or restrictions will be welcome as they face significant challenges in the coming weeks and months. Grants will be a lifeline for companies as they look to restart, rebuild and create jobs as the economy starts to reopen. Businesses need to be at the heart of the decisions made to distribute this support. The challenge for the Scottish Government will be to ensure that the consequential funding is distributed as efficiently and easily as possible – and that it is aligned with a roadmap to the easing of restrictions.”
On proposed changes to the UK’s visa system, Dr Liz Cameron said:
“An efficient, low-cost and non-bureaucratic immigration system is critical to ensuring Scottish businesses and universities can retain and attract the talent they need. This will be key to maintaining and increasing our world-class research and innovation which will be essential to the quality and speed of the economic recovery.”
A warm welcome to D. Calder Builder who joins the membership group this month. D. Calder Builder is a general building firm with works including:
- Blockwork
- Stonework
- Roughcasting
- Rendering
- Roof Tiling
Joining D. Calder Builder is Tracey Inkson Photography. Tracey is a qualified and fully insured photographer, specialising in Lifestyle and outdoor photography.
Photography services include:
- Business branding
- Newborns
- Babies
- Children
- Couples
- Family
- Pets
- Wedding
- Equine
To learn about how Chamber membership could benefit your business, see the Membership benefits page or get in touch with Fiona Levack, Business Development Manager to arrange an informal chat. You can email fiona here: Fiona@caithnesschamber.com The Chamber offers advice and support to businesses of all sizes, at all stages and in all sectors and we would be thrilled to hear from you.
In addition to chamber membership, many of our funded projects offer support and guidance to businesses in a range of ways. See the list of options, here.
Did you know that we offer a membership referral scheme? If you refer a business who joins the chamber, you could benefit from £50 off your next renewal. Read more here.
RE-OPENING ECONOMY ONLY ROUTE TO BUSINESS SURVIVAL
Responding to the statement by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP which outlined a roadmap for easing lockdown restrictions in Scotland, Dr Liz Cameron OBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“Businesses have made it clear. The only route to protect livelihoods and jobs is to re-open the economy by enabling businesses to get back to trading, supported by a clear and transparent roadmap. Today’s announcement from the First Minister provides a direction of travel as to how some restrictions will ease and the conditions in which local business communities are allowed to re-open and re-build.
“We had expected today what the First Minister has said won’t be confirmed until mid-March. And while it does not go as far or as fast as the Prime Minister did towards clarifying when we can get back to business, we will continue to robustly represent business views to Scottish Government to help inform this plan in the coming days and weeks.
“There will be some solace for businesses who can now look forward to the reopening of some trading from 5 April onwards. But for those that have to wait longer to re-open, their level of compensation should be higher. Come the end of April, we would urge the Scottish Government to relax restrictions on domestic travel as this will be essential for the survival of tourism and hospitality businesses currently reliant on domestic visitors.
“But time is of the essence. For many thousands of businesses, our debt is increasing, and our cash running out. We would rather the Scottish Government would have applied the same amount of rigour to our roadmap as the UK Government in order to prevent further damage to Scottish businesses and the health and wellbeing of our communities. Otherwise our ability to plan and invest is hamstrung.
“More detail on the roadmap is essential as it will enable both consumers as well as businesses plan for reopening, and we need the Scottish Government to stick to its guns on these dates as much as is possible. It is important that Scotland remains as closely in step with the four nations as is possible. A competitive disadvantage to business communities elsewhere in the UK will only add insult to the injury already caused by the pandemic.”
On testing and vaccination, Liz Cameron said:
“The pace of the vaccination roll-out is to be commended, and the announcement of its success is evident in the reduction of hospitalisation rates. An adequate testing regime will be critical to re-opening. Workplace testing must be expanded to all businesses in Scotland and the Scottish Government should work with the business community to provide frequent low-cost testing options to workplaces of all sizes and sectors.”
On international & domestic travel, Liz Cameron said:
“A safe and co-ordinated restart of international and domestic travel is essential for the aviation, travel, tourism and leisure industry. These sectors have been key to growing and enhancing Scotland’s globally renowned reputation and brand. Scotland’s travel restart plan must include a clear sequence of how and when our borders can open, removal of domestic travel barriers and an aligned approach across the UK nations.”
On business support, Liz Cameron said:
“Businesses are running on empty. It is evident from today’s announcement that lockdowns will persist. Both Governments must extend and expand support to affected businesses, sectors and the workforce. We look forward to seeing further detail on the expansion of the Scottish Government business support funds. Because without a quality and fair package of compensation, many will not survive beyond the next quarter.”
Responding to the Scottish Budget update delivered today by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance Kate Forbes MSP, Dr Liz Cameron OBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“The Finance Secretary committed to extending non-domestic rates relief if she had the budget to do so, so we welcome this confirmation. This will provide much-needed relief to the retail, hospitality, leisure and aviation sectors who have been devastated by the effects of coronavirus restrictions.
“We would further urge the Cabinet Secretary to ensure that safeguarding jobs and the economy will continue to be high on the list of considerations as she sets out further priorities for the £1.1 billion in additional COVID-19 funding recently allocated from the UK Treasury.’’
Responding to the latest update on lockdown restrictions from the First Minister, Dr Liz Cameron OBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“We know the immense relief that parents will feel today at knowing that schools will slowly and gradually re-open so that young people can resume vital face to face education. We now need to bring that same relief to businesses and employees through a clear routemap for the easing of lockdown restrictions.
“Hospitality businesses who might have been holding out hope for a small lifeline in the form of some limited, domestic tourist trade come Easter will be bitterly disappointed. The fact they will have invested so much in making premises safe and risk catastrophe without being able to trade is still falling on deaf ears.
“A revised strategic framework providing a routemap on the opening back of the economy is long overdue, but we will continue to work with Scottish Government to ensure jobs are not low down the list of trade-offs.
“What Scottish businesses desperately need is the confidence to plan, hire and invest and give certainty to our employees and to our customers as to when we can expect to open our doors again.”
Commenting ahead of the First Minister’s statement to the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday 16th February 2021, Dr Liz Cameron OBE, Director & Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“The vaccination roll-out has been significant across Scotland and the UK, and with vaccination milestones being reached, we now need to understand the conditions at which the economy can begin to re-open.
“We understand that setting specific dates can be challenging given the unpredictable nature of the virus. However, businesses need to know the trigger points over the next three months that will deliver the re-opening of the economy.
“Only a clear plan to re-open will give businesses the confidence to plan, hire and invest. Without this, businesses and livelihoods face catastrophe.”