Plans for economic growth at Chamber business festival - Joanne Davidson
As we approach the festive season - this year framed by the UK Budget in late November and the Scottish Government’s Budget in early January, I’m reminded of an important event the Chamber hosted two years ago.
The “Better Jobs, Better Skills, Better Pay” conference was delivered in partnership with Gordon Brown’s think tank, Our Scottish Future.
The former Prime Minister laid out a compelling vision for economic renewal - one rooted in collaboration across government, active business leadership and a national commitment to tackling the skills and investment challenges that continue to hold us back.
Two years on, the challenges remain. Economic growth is sluggish, investment is constrained, and the cost of doing business continues to rise. With a projected £20 billion gap in public finances, the prospect of increased taxation and reduced spending looms large. Businesses are bracing for impact.
As ever, Edinburgh Chamber remains committed to making a difference. Edinburgh is a powerhouse of economic activity - a city of innovation, talent, and ambition. We believe that by harnessing the collective strength of our business community, we can influence policy, shape strategy, and deliver meaningful outcomes.
On Friday 28 November, we will welcome over 200 business leaders to our annual Business Festival at the RBS Conference Centre, Gogarburn. The theme, Fuelling Good Growth in Edinburgh’s Business Ecosystem, reflects our commitment to growth that is inclusive, sustainable, and impactful.
This year’s Festival marks a significant milestone. One year on from launching our Call to Action, we will share progress on translating ambition into action - through a focused, practical plan to deliver good growth. Growth that creates high-quality jobs, drives investment, and supports the public services our communities rely on.
Through keynote talks, panels and interactive workshops, we’ll explore what good growth looks like, the partnerships required to achieve it, and the narrative we must build to inspire confidence and collaboration.
In recent weeks, the Chamber has been active in representing Edinburgh’s business voice to both the UK and Scottish Governments ahead of their budget decisions. We’ve made clear the need for restraint on further taxation and regulation, particularly in light of recent increases in National Insurance and the anticipated costs of the Employment Rights Bill.
As part of the British Chambers of Commerce network, we are calling on the Chancellor to deliver a budget that supports growth - through infrastructure investment, reduced trade barriers, and targeted action on the skills gap.
In discussions with Scottish Business Minister Richard Lochhead last week, our members have highlighted the growing strain of business rates and tax discrepancies, particularly in sectors vital to our economy such as tourism, retail, and hospitality. With a Scottish Parliamentary election on the horizon, we must ensure that future policymakers engage early and meaningfully with business to deliver the growth needed to fund essential public services.
Growth matters. As Gordon Brown said in 2007:
“Once government’s objectives were economic growth and social cohesion. Now they are prosperity, fairness and environmental care.”
At Edinburgh Chamber, we believe good growth is not just possible - it’s essential. And with genuine collaboration in place, we can make it happen.
Director of Policy and Insights, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce