Scottish businesses ‘at breaking point’ Swinney told ahead of budget

Speaking at the group’s annual business address on Thursday to an audience which included Mr Swinney, Scottish Labour’s Anas Sarwar and Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay, she said after a “transformative year” industry simply “cannot absorb any additional costs”.

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Ms Cameron said she was confident the government could create the right environment to allow businesses to thrive, but this needed collaboration that transcended party politics.

“And I’m addressing that last remark to all the political leaders in the room, because it is an issue, and business needs you to all work together to grow our economy.”

She added: “I believe a thriving Scotland is within our reach. People and passion always make things happen.”

Earlier, in his speech at the event, the First Minister said it would not be possible for his government to succeed in its policy agenda without the support of business.

“We cannot achieve the eradication of child poverty, we cannot deliver sustainable public services, we cannot support the transition to net zero unless we have got a fundamentally strong and growing economic economy.

“And I’m committed as First Minister to making sure the government takes the necessary steps to ensure that’s the case, but we will be greatly strengthened if we do that in an atmosphere of partnership and engagement with business to ensure that the perspectives and the aspirations of the business community are brought very much into the heart of government.”

Mr Swinney told the audience it would not be possible for the government “to do absolutely everything that the business community wants.”

“But I do want to give you my assurance that the government is focused inherently on ensuring that we create the conditions for your success,” he added.

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Mr Swinney said he and colleagues were currently finalising the contents of the government’s annual budget.

“What I will say is that we’ve listened carefully to the aspirations of a whole range of different communities in Scotland, including the business community.

“What we will deliver on Wednesday is a budget that delivers progress for Scotland, a budget that meets the aspirations and the expectations of people in Scotland, and one that can secure the foundations of the country.”