SCC chief executive Dr Liz Cameron CBE said: “With the economy stagnating and businesses now feeling the full impact of the rise in NICs, we urge the Scottish government to deliver much needed changes to build a stronger, resilient, and more competitive Scottish economy.

“We have written to the FM with a clear message from across our network of 30 local Chambers and thousands of businesses of every size and sector: we must make Scotland a more attractive and viable place to do business.

“We welcome Mr Swinney’s promise the programme will be ‘radical with a relentless focus on delivery’ and we hope he takes positive action to support business.”

The letter warns of a Scottish economy where growth is uneven, productivity levels are lagging behind other parts of the UK and business confidence is under pressure from cost burdens, workforce shortages and policy uncertainty.

The SCC, which represents more than 12,000 member organisations, detailed five clear priorities:

• Immediate action to address persistent skills shortages in key industries such as manufacturing, hospitality, engineering, energy and care.
• Unblocking infrastructure gaps impacting investment, productivity and sustainability.
• Reducing the cost of doing business.
• Creating a globally competitive Scotland by delivering a business environment that rewards risk, supports entrepreneurship, and provides certainty for investors.
• Effective and meaningful partnerships and collaboration with business to drive positive economic outcomes.

Dr Cameron added: “The Scottish government must tackle the high cost of doing business, investing meaningfully in workforce skills and infrastructure, and creating a regulatory and fiscal environment that enables businesses to invest, grow and compete.

“We need a partnership of equals to co-design industry skills and training provision, including development of a National Workforce Plan; rapid reskilling for sectors facing digital, AI and net zero transitions; lifelong learning pathways for the workforce, with focus on apprenticeships, technical education and upskilling; and an action plan with performance targets to unlock an untapped talent pool by retraining individuals who are economically inactive.

“The Scottish Government must also prioritise the rollout of transport, housing and broadband infrastructure and commit to robust and speedy investment in local growth deals and enterprise zones. It is critical that infrastructure planning, renewables investments and green growth initiatives are driven by regional business needs and economic opportunity with clear timelines for delivery.

“We have repeatedly warned of the cumulative burden of taxes and regulation, including the UK Government’s increase in National Insurance contributions, which has further strained employer finances. The Scottish Government must ease the financial pressure through meaningful rates reform and reliefs, pause any new regulatory measures which add to the cost of doing business and use their devolved powers to mitigate UK-wide fiscal decisions.

The SCC letter also called for The Programme for Government to:

• Prioritise streamlining planning systems, including fast-track approval, to accelerate growth and innovation.
• Continue support for exports, international trade and inward investment co-delivered between industry, government and agencies. 
• Invest in innovation and R&D aligned to Scotland’s sectoral strengths. 
• Expand “Scotland’s Freeports” to attract domestic and international investment.

“Now more than ever, business and government must work in true partnership. Our Chamber Network is a ready-made, place-based delivery partner for government, rooted in communities, trusted by local employers, and focused on driving economic outcomes, said Dr Cameron.

“We welcome the opportunity to work closely with ministers to ensure that economic growth is a central and consistent thread through every part of government and extend an invitation for further dialogue and collaboration to explore these proposals in detail.”

“Scotland goes to the polls a year from now and, as we have seen with the recent local elections in England, the electorate – including the millions employed by businesses large and small – want action and delivery not meaningless soundbites and promises. While we need a fix for 2026 the priority is to survive 2025.”