Firms call for post-brexit help

Scotland is “open for business” after the Brexit result, according to leading Scottish business groups who are calling for the UK and Scottish governments to show leadership and collaborate in the aftermath of the vote.

Six business groups, comprising the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses, Scottish Financial Enterprise, Scottish Council for Development & Industry, CBI and Institute of Directors, have compiled a joint statement on the back of attending the First Minister’s EU business summit earlier this week.

They said they collectively represent “the broadest spectrum of businesses” who are considering the “opportunities and challenges” set to arise from the outcome of the EU referendum.

“Our members hold diverse views on the European Union but the need to drive prosperity – by preserving jobs, attracting investment and driving economic growth for Scotland – is what brings us together.”

Praising firms for “doing what they do best by maintaining ‘business as usual’,” the organisations added: “We underline our belief that Scotland is a great place to do business and that we are, ‘open for business’.”

They said they look to both governments to prioritise key business issues such as access to EU markets, “clear protection” of EU nationals in Scotland, and support for non-uk EU nationals who run businesses north of the Border.

In response to the statement, Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell said: “The message couldn’t be clearer – it is time for both governments to work together as ‘Team UK’ to find a way forward that is the best possible for Scotland and the whole of the UK.”