‘It’s sad. Politicians are talking about lots of things, but not focused on the economy’

● IOD chief would have welcomed 12 months without election or referendum

When the Institute of Directors in Scotland moved into its new flagship premises in Edinburgh a year ago, its executive director David Watt said he would welcome 12 months without an election or referendum north of the Border.

He knew at the time the June Brexit vote was coming, but not that the repercussions of it would be Theresa May would call the impend- ing UK general election. “I did not get my way in spades,” he laughs. “We don’t as the business community have much option but to just get on with it. I’ll be glad when it is over. It is a hackneyed line, but business wants certainty to plan, and you don’t have it if you are having Brexit, elections etc.”

Watt said he was surprised at the outcome of the Brexit referendum even if most Scots voted Remain. “Yes, I was surprised and most of our members were as well to be honest,” he said. “They did not see a strong economic argument for leaving the EU. It was just about political autonomy and EU rules and regulations.”

Asked if Brexit and Donald