All change at Holyrood.

By Peter White – Head of Government Relations (Scotland)

He may have lost the support of the Scottish Labour Party’s leader, but the Prime Minister has taught the leaders of all the parties in Scotland a valuable lesson. Introducing policies without the buy-in of sectors critical to their implementation will halt momentum in its tracks. 

On a UK-wide level, increases to employer National Insurance contributions have angered the hospitality sector. Avoiding a battle with Big Tech over its role in fraud prevention has disappointed the banks. Introducing the Electric Vehicle Excise Duty has complicated the Government’s green energy credentials. 

Hospitality, banking and energy are all workhorses of Scotland’s economy. They are also caught in the constitutional tug-of-war. Tourism and some aspects of energy and taxation are devolved to Holyrood, while choices made on financial services, immigration and trade are the preserve of Westminster.  

With just two weeks to go, the Scottish party manifestos are now out there and mark a statement of intent. But the PM has shown that when commitments collide with reality, politicians rely on businesses to help right the policy ship. 

Past is often prologue. Pick a policy that will secure you votes, grab a headline or put out a fiscal fire. Encounter organised and articulate advocacy (think farmers in response to inheritance tax and pub owners on rate hikes). Engage with said farmers and pub owners, or the bodies that represent them. Amend the policy to mitigate the impact on the “front line” and, of course, media scrutiny.  

Scotland’s politicians should learn from the PM’s mistakes and engage constructively, and early, with industry well before new policies are announced. Even when engagement occurs at the genesis of policymaking, it is increasingly difficult to make your point heard against the din of social media and the 24-hour news cycle. Navigating this labyrinth when the ball has already started rolling is even tougher. 

With a third of MSPs standing down and Reform fielding candidates for the first time, businesses will be reaching into a noisier and more diverse Holyrood. Command of the legislative process, credibility in relationship building and confidence in digital campaigns will be crucial to those seeking to make Scotland a better place in which to live, work and invest. 

There’s a lot at stake over the next few weeks and the lead up to election day. Yes, there is great risk involved for those whose enterprises depend on sound policymaking. But the political churn can open doors. Scotland’s innovators, market leaders and employers will, with the right approach, find many a listening ear in Holyrood willing to learn from their expertise and ready to apply it to their policy and legislative scrutiny.  

The manifestos give an idea of where Scotland might be going over the next five years, but where it will end up is down to the dialogue between its political and industry leaders. Businesses ready to step into the breach can become trusted policymaking partners, whether or not Scotland’s politicians have learnt the lessons the PM has inadvertently taught them. 

Why stand by and wait for the dust to settle at Holyrood, when you can influence the conversations that will shape your future and the crucial jobs and investment that could follow?

Political change means change for your business. We can help you to engage new parliamentarians, influence policy and legislation and understand new political dynamics. Get in touch to find out more.