Scottish Business Community Celebrated at Reception Held at Edinburgh Castle

The best of Scottish business was celebrated at a reception at Edinburgh Castle last night.

Attended by over 100 senior business leaders, the event showcased the immense contributions made by the Scottish Chambers of Commerce network in supporting businesses to grow and invest in local communities and highlighted Scotland’s place on the world stage in securing net zero opportunities and expanding international prospects.

First Minister Humza Yousaf praised the work of the network and said collaboration between business and government will boost investment, exports and entrepreneurship. He said: “The Scottish Government I lead is absolutely committed to unleashing the country’s enormous economic potential. We are using the powers at our disposal to contribute to boosting international investment and unlocking the wealth of investment opportunities we have in Scotland – measures such issuing our first ever bond to finance key infrastructure support that ambition.

“Scottish Chambers of Commerce and its wider network plays an important contribution to seizing Scotland's economic and investment opportunities, particularly through the support it offers to local businesses and helping promote the significant exporting opportunities many businesses across Scotland have.

“I look forward to continuing to engage with the many Scottish businesses which are investing and innovating in Scotland, as well as supporting our commitment to an economy that is fair, green and growing.”

Stephen Leckie, President of Scottish Chambers of Commerce said: “I was delighted to welcome businesses from every part of Scotland to the Scottish Business Reception at Edinburgh Castle. From the cities to the Highlands and a wide cross-sector of companies from energy, manufacturing, tourism, retail, finance, space, education and more, the event was a great celebration of Scotland’s business community.

“From expanding our international trade and exporting opportunities and accelerating our solutions to reaching net zero, the Chamber Network in Scotland and across the world are leading from the front and we look forward to collaborating with the Scottish Government to achieve our shared ambitions.”

Shan Saba, Director of Moray Chamber of Commerce said: "Being able to represent the Moray business community at this significant event in Edinburgh Castle was a positive step with the Scottish government committing to creating a stronger connection with business. Moray contributed significantly to the Scottish economy and was well-represented at this event."