Hunter to challenge Swinney on SNP growth plan – Daily Business

Sir Tom Hunter: addresses CBI lunch

First Minister John Swinney will face a robust challenge from entrepreneur Sir Tom Hunter today as the pair address business leaders in Edinburgh.

Mr Swinney is expected to tell the CBI Scotland annual lunch that “growing our economy” is among his list of “people’s priorities.”

However, Sir Tom, who will also address guests, has been a vocal critic of politicians who fail to recognise the damaging impact of their actions on business.

He has called for a change of approach towards tax, regulation and other burdens on business, saying they are holding back growth and putting companies into distress. He has offered to form a group of leading figures to advise on government policy.

In a statement issued the day after the Scottish elections, he said: “After nineteen years of stagnation at best, and decline in health, education and the economy at worst … it’s time for radical thinking. More of the same will offer an appalling legacy to our children so are our politicians up for it?

“My offer is to deliver a business council to support them – a council of exceptional talents; Scotland first, politics second.”

Michelle Ferguson, director of CBI Scotland, shared Sir Tom’s frustration and repeated calls for a focus on growth.

Claiming the country was in “a race against time”, she issued a five-point plan to reform business rates and planning, deliver a national skills strategy, close the tax and regulatory gap with the rest of the UK, and commit to transformative infrastructure projects.

Michelle Ferguson: race against time

“Growth really is the ‘only game in town’ – so it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get on with it,” she said in a pre-lunch briefing note.  

“That means using every lever available to boost productivity and unlock vital investment. Business stands ready to play its part, but urgency is key. We can’t afford to sit on our hands, or we risk a worsening fiscal position and the potential for great commercial opportunities to slip through our fingers.”

SSE chief executive and CBI Scotland Chair, Martin Pibworth, will also address the lunch.

Mr Swinney will chair the first meeting of his new Cabinet today said he will “task my ministerial colleagues with delivering on the priorities of the people of Scotland, after the emphatic mandate given to us at the election.

“The ministerial team I have appointed will be focused on and responsive to the challenges facing communities across the country.

“That means supporting families through the current cost of living crisis, continuing to deliver improvements in our NHS, and growing our economy – all of which will require a concerted effort by the entire government working together.” 

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