Swinney urged to call off tax raid on Scottish business

And the Scottish Retail Consortium declared economic growth should be the “priority of priorities” for the new incumbent.

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David Lonsdale, director of the SRC, said: “The Scottish Retail Consortium congratulates Mr Swinney on becoming SNP leader and the presumptive next First Minister.

“He takes office at a critical juncture for the economy after four years of fall-out from the pandemic and costs crunch. We look forward to working constructively with the new ministerial team to ensure the economy is the priority of priorities.

“Central to this should be an economic growth plan which eases the burgeoning regulatory burden, scraps the mooted business rate surtax on grocery stores, and finally delivers on the pledge to restore business rates parity with England for medium-sized and larger commercial premises. After all, an expanding economy is good for living standards and job prospects as well as government revenues.”

Tracy Black, devolved nations ambassador at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), said:  “We congratulate John Swinney on becoming the SNP’s new leader. Mr Swinney collaborated positively with business in his previous roles as Deputy First Minister and interim Finance Secretary and we look forward to working with him as First Minister. 

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“With the Scottish economy continuing to tread water, the new First Minister has no time to waste. We need to create a competitive and resilient economy that champions business and delivers opportunity for communities across Scotland.  

“We look forward to re-engaging with Mr Swinney on measures to support improved productivity through innovation and technology, ensure our highly educated workforce contributes to sustainable economic growth and to encourage global investment and skilled employees into Scotland.”