Delivering a New Deal for Business

Susan Thomson
Monday 30 October 2023 - 11:24

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 Neil Gray 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.”

Find out more here