17 April 2026
Michelle Ferguson, CBI Scotland Director, said:
“With Scotland’s productivity gap, tax divergence and stuttering economy holding back business investment ambitions, firms’ welcome the Liberal Democrats ambitions for higher growth, better jobs and improved living standards.
“But business owners who are shutting their doors as they grapple with high bills need fundamental reform, not tinkering around the edges of a business rates system that is not fit for purpose.
“The Liberal Democrats priorities for planning reform, delivering more housing and infrastructure investment, will be welcomed by businesses. Scotland’s growth is being held back by planning bottlenecks in a system that fails to match their investment ambitions.
“Prioritising a realistic plan for A96 dualling would improve businesses and workers’ transport connectivity between the Highlands and the north east, but firms need a firm deadline from the Liberal Democrats on their plans for completing the A9 dualling.
“The manifesto’s pragmatic approach to nuclear energy could potentially attract billions of pounds in investment to build Small Modular Reactors - bringing high-value jobs, supply chain opportunities, and long-term energy security to Scotland. The party’s pledge to work closely with the UK Government to develop Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) facilities would be a major step towards decarbonising the economy, bringing long-term certainty to businesses looking to invest in CCS.
“While the Liberal Democrats commitments on planning, infrastructure and energy reflect key priorities set out in our business manifesto, detail and delivery are what matters most to firms looking to invest. Whichever party leads the next Scottish Parliament must ensure growth really is the only game in town by staying laser focused on pro-enterprise and prosperity policies that reach every corner of Scotland.”
17 April 2026
About the CBI: The CBI represents 850 members who themselves comprise 1,200 separate registered companies and 150,000 trade association members. Founded 60 years ago and representing some of the biggest names in business, household brands and globally traded corporations that employ people in all sectors and across every region and nation of the UK, the CBI is the voice of business. Find out more about some of the businesses in membership here.
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