Scottish Government outlines 'a different way of working with business'

Action on regulations and non-domestic rates, as well as closer collaboration with business on government policy, are key recommendations of the New Deal for Business Group, which has submitted its report to the First Minister.

The creation of a new independent review board to oversee regulations will be taken forward, in response to requests from business to help government work more closely with industry.

The Group has also looked at improved working around sharing data, creating a wellbeing economy, and involving business in the development of policy.

Recommendations include:
1. setting up a new independent Regulatory Review Group (RRG) to work with industry and government on a renewed remit
2. featuring non-domestic rates among the wider considerations of a new Tax Advisory Group
3. ensuring the right voices are heard in engagement with business about policy
4. working on labour market participation with a focus on supporting parents into employment and the skills businesses need for a transition to net zero
5. gathering data on the type of support businesses are searching for, to help government better understand their needs

New Deal Business Partnership Sub Group has been set up with membership bodies across Scotland to address the recognised issue of a lack of engagement between business and government with policy formulation. Moray Chamber has been involved directly with this cross-sector group to develop a far more cohesive way of working together.

Moray Chamber of Commerce Director, Shan Saba said: “We can only look forward to a far more interconnected relationship with the Scottish Government to ensure that the voice of the business community in Moray is genuinely listened to and heard in future policy formulation”