At present, the debate over independence dominates the Scottish political agenda. While a date for the referendum has now been set, voters seem unable to arrive at a clear decision with most opinion polls showing a great deal of uncertainty regarding Scotland’s position should the majority vote yes. This is certainly a problem for the general public, but it is equally difficult for Scottish businesses.
In a survey of firms by the Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC), it was found that 58 per cent of all respondents did not feel prepared to make a judgement in a constitutional debate thanks to a lack of details. This compared with only 37 per cent, who claimed their minds were already made up on the matter.
Businesses more likely to hesitate before making a decision are those found outside Scotland’s major cities, but firms which regularly trade within the UK or EU also call the implications of independence a “major concern.”
The survey collated the views of more than 800 registered firms across Scotland, and ranged from sole traders to large companies with upwards of 500 employees. It was overseen by economist Professor David Bell and co-funded by the Economic and Social Research Council.
Chief executive of the SCC, Liz Cameron, believes the survey throws into sharp clarity the need for more information from those conducting the constitutional debate. She states that businesses are more likely to feel safe in making a decision if the information is provided well in advance of the referendum, which will be held in September of next year.
She adds; “Scottish Chambers of Commerce will be working hard between now and referendum day to make sure that members’ priorities are being addressed.
“This survey shows that the constitutional debate hasn’t yet engaged clearly enough with the priorities of the Scottish business community.
“Today, we call on those on both sides of the debate to examine their plans and ask themselves what more they could be doing to make sure that the Scottish business community has the information it needs.”
Three major information gaps are highlighted as particular areas of concern, Taxation, the Scottish position in the EU and the currency all require clarification, and traders must understand how these areas will be affected before being able to make a fair judgement on independence.
Do you think Scottish independence would be a positive step for businesses on both sides of the border, or will divisions within the UK undo all the progress businesses have made in the first half of 2013, thus weakening an already unstable British economy?
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