Partner Article

CBI urges Scottish Government to assist businesses

The Scottish Government must give support to businesses that could be affected by the country becoming independent, according to CBI Scotland’s Direct, Iain McMillan.

In his New Year message, Mr McMillan said that since many firms will be preparing for a potential change, the Government must assist with “due diligence” ahead of its White Paper on independence.

The White Paper is due to be published by Autumn this year, and CBI Scotland said the business community will be bracing itself, and carrying out assessments on the possible impact of Scottish independence.

Mr McMillan said: “As part of their due diligence ahead of the referendum, many business leaders will carry out an assessment of the possible impact of Scotland leaving the United Kingdom on Scotland’s economy and their businesses.

“This gives rise to many questions and, as we go through 2013, a crucial year in this debate, undoubtedly further questions will arise.

“We hope very much that the White Paper will address these questions in full and provide the necessary supporting evidence.”

A list of 19 concerning subject areas has been published by CBI Scotland, which includes questions over Scotland’s economic position, export finance, trade and business support, as well as foreign affairs and defence.

Mr McMillan continued: “We have provided the Scottish Government with our initial paper ‘The Scottish Government’s Independence White Paper – issues that business would like it to address’ and trust that this will be of assistance to Ministers in addressing the business community’s questions.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .