Claire Mack

Trade Associations’ Scotland brings together the Association of British Insurers, Food and Drink Federation Scotland, Homes for Scotland, Logistics UK, Offshore Energies UK, Salmon Scotland, Scotch Whisky Association, Scottish Engineering, Scottish Property Federation, Scottish Renewables, Scottish Retail Consortium, Scottish Tourism Alliance and UKHospitality Scotland.

The 13 trade associations — which together represent nearly £90 billion GVA and more than 1.4 million jobs — warn that policy uncertainty, slow planning and infrastructure constraints are delaying investment decisions across Scotland.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Claire Mack, chief executive of Scottish Renewables, said: “Businesses are ready to invest but confidence depends on tax competitiveness, policy stability, faster delivery and infrastructure that works.

“This is not about special pleading for any one sector. It is about creating an investable environment where jobs, homes, town centres and energy projects can be delivered at pace.”

The manifesto calls on all political parties to commit to: 

• Tax competitiveness and a stable and predictable economic framework that allows investors to plan for the long term 
• A clear, integrated infrastructure strategy, aligning energy networks, transport, housing and digital connectivity 
• Reset planning and consenting to accelerate housing delivery, regeneration, brownfield and marine development 
• Skills and workforce alignment, particularly in energy, construction and digital sectors 
• A managed energy transition that prioritises homegrown energy including renewables growth while protecting skilled jobs and supply chains in oil and gas 

Trade Associations’ Scotland also highlights the need to address grid constraints, electricity curtailment and slower progress on heat and transport decarbonisation, warning that these issues are increasing costs for consumers and holding back investment. 

Ms Mack said: “Scotland has the assets, skills and ambition to compete globally. What businesses are asking for now is delivery: joined-up policy, infrastructure that unlocks growth, and a workforce strategy aligned to future demand.

“The next Parliament has a real opportunity to set that direction.

“We are ready to work constructively with all parties as they develop their manifestos ahead of the election. We have a shared goal of strengthening Scotland’s economic resilience and long-term prosperity.”