Wellbeing Economy Secretary comments on Business Confidence Monitor report

Responding to the Business Confidence Monitor report here from ICAEW, Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray said:

“This report shows the robustness of Scottish businesses, despite the challenges they face. It is encouraging to see that both Scotland’s domestic sales and export sales are growing faster than the UK average, supporting profit growth.

“We cannot under-estimate the seriousness of the cost of living crisis which continues to hamper households and businesses’ ability to spend, to the detriment of the wider economy. Industry also continues to suffer due to Brexit’s effect on supply chains, trade and the free movement of people.

“The Scottish Government is doing all it can with the limited powers available, including supporting business exports to produce increased international sales.  We are also working to increase access for Scottish businesses to international labour and skills, through our Talent Attraction and Migration Service.

“Through the New Deal for Business Group, the Scottish Government will continue to ensure companies are informed early of decisions affecting them – including on regulations - providing as much time as possible to provide input, to react and to prepare for any changes.”