- A long-term commitment to partnership
Priority actions to deepen and strengthen co-operation between
the Scottish Government and business have been unveiled.
A new implementation plan details how recommendations from the
New Deal for Business Group will be taken forward over the next
18 months to improve policy preparation and delivery and build a
wellbeing economy.
Actions include a forum to oversee the impact of regulations on
industry and a full review of how government policy is developed
to ensure businesses are consulted at all stages – particularly
when new regulation is a potential outcome. Work will also start
immediately on helping more parents and carers to get back into
work.
Other measures include:
- keeping Non-Domestic Rates reforms under review to ensure
they support businesses and communities
- developing new ways to assess the impact of regulations on
business
- ensuring the right business voices are involved in policy
development
- seeking views on health and work, flexible working and just
transition plans from across the business sector
- outlining and measuring how business contributes to a
wellbeing economy
- assessing the type of support businesses are seeking to help
government better understand their needs
Wellbeing Economy Secretary said:
“The New Deal for Business presents a new and exciting long-term
commitment to partnership, to create the conditions where
business feels empowered to invest, to innovate and to provide
good jobs.
“By ensuring an open and honest dialogue between business and
government we can provide certainty and consistency
for business across Scotland, from small high street firms
to the largest multinational companies.
“I am grateful for the commitment shown by business to the New
Deal and to group members for developing the recommendations
which are now agreed actions. Only by working together can we
turn the dial on business-government relations and deliver a
wellbeing economy, creating the best possible place for business,
people and planet.”
Dr Poonam Malik, Head of Investments at the University of
Strathclyde, who co-chairs the group with Mr Gray, said:
“Listening actively to business and working in meaningful
partnership on common goals will reap rewards and grow our
economy ambitiously for the benefit of all of Scotland.
“Having government and business in sync with each other, to
deliver growth for our nation with a culture of collaboration -
being open and inclusive, with innovative and creative thinking -
will overcome the main challenges and break down barriers to high
productivity, bringing investment and creating high-quality jobs.
“I thank Group members for all their hard work and commitment to
get to this point, and for their continued support to keep up the
momentum and remain motivated to see this Plan deliver with
action.”
Background
The New Deal for Business Implementation Plan.
The New Deal for Business Group (NDBG) has drawn upon the
expertise of business leaders and representatives from a range of
organisations to help government work more closely with industry.
It looked at improvements around five key areas – regulation of
business, the Non-Domestic Rates system, sharing data, aligning
policy with business needs, and encouraging business to follow
wellbeing economy principles.
The NDBG was established following publication of the First
Minister's Policy
Prospectus to develop a high-quality relationship
between government and business and other partners by July 2025,
which is key to delivery of the National Strategy for Economic
Transformation.
