Tax rise and networking

The Scottish Government released its discussion paper The Role of Income Tax in Scotland’s Budget last week, which outlines several proposed alternatives to the existing income tax system.

In response to this report, Liz Cameron, chief executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:“The Scottish Chambers of Commerce welcomes the opportunity to engage on the issue of taxation, making sure Scotland’s tax system is competitive for business and employees and is fit for purpose to fund our essential public services.

“Given the options presented, it is possible that over one million Scots could see a cut in their take home pay.

“With the well-reported difficulties caused by rises in inflation and the recent decision to raise interest rates by the Bank of England, many households will already be looking at tightening discretionary spending.

“We recognise the budgetary challenges faced by the Scottish Government, but any debate on taxation must be wider in scope and provide sufficient time to ensure meaningful and constructive engagement with business and civic Scotland.

“SCC will be working through our Scottish Chamber Network across Scotland to gauge clearly the views and ideas of the wider business community to better inform this ongoing debate. “Maintaining business competitiveness in Scotland is a top priority and Scotland’s tax policies must ensure we remain competitive with the rest of the UK and internationally”

Meanwhile, Renfrewshre Chamber of Commerce has a Pitch & Roll Breakfast Networking event tomorrow.

Businesses are invited to attend and the event is free for tenants of Hillington Business Park and Chamber members.

It will be held at The Innovation Centre, 1 Ainslie Road, Hillington Park, from 8am to 9.15am.

Chamber chief executive Bob Grant said:“This is a great way to promote your business to a wide audience at a fun and fast-paced event.

“Developing a two-minute “elevator pitch”about your business is a useful tool to build connections that can help you win new business and grow in the future.”

For more information and to book your free place, email lconnor@ renfrewshirechamber.com or call 0141 847 5450.