This review lets us boost investment while staying fair to everyone

the first 12 months thereafter. This will give Scotland a new and significant competitive advantage over other parts of the UK. It will attract new business to Scotland and incentivise those already here to invest and grow.

I want Scotland to be the most competitive and attractive place for businesses to invest.

That’s why we commissioned the Barclay Review in the first place: to find ways of improving the current system, updating it so it better supports growth, encourages long-term investment in fast-changing marketplaces.

The report made 30 recommendations to boost economic growth, reduce red tape and increase transparency and fairness while maintaining the important contribution businesses make to public services. Yesterday, I told

MSPs that not only would we take forward the majority of those recommendations, but we would go beyond Barclay.

I will introduce a Business Growth Accelerator – freeing all new and improved business premises from rates increases for 12 months.

The review found the current system, which immediately applied a rates increase to property improvements, deterred investment. Our Business Growth Accelerator gives us the edge: it will ensure new build properties do not pay rates until they are occupied for the first time and, even after that, a new tenant will then benefit from one year without rates.

As well as suggestions to bring empty town centre and business properties back into use, I have confirmed there will be further transitional relief for hospitality properties and offices in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire.

A new relief for day nurseries will be set at 100 per cent, the first of its kind in the UK, once again demonstrating Scotland is a leader in childcare.

This Government leads and innovates when utilising the limited economic powers at our disposal.

My message is clear: come to Scotland; invest in Scotland; grow your business in Scotland.