THE new chairwoman of one of Scotland’s largest business organisations has called on members to expand their international reach in the hunt for economic recovery.
Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) warned earlier this week that the economy was “bumping along the bottom of a recession” rather than staging any meaningful recovery.
However, incoming chairwoman Nora Senior has said growth is possible if certain conditions are met.
“Businesses in Scotland can deliver growth – but improvements to the business environment are necessary to ensure that they can operate at full stretch,” said Senior, a prominent figure in the public relations industry.
Transport links and enhanced broadband were particularly important, she said, adding that she would also like to see an overhaul of how and when careers advice is delivered to children in school.
Her comments form part of the “mission statement” set out yesterday as she prepares to become the first woman in the Chambers’ 64-year history to hold the post.
Focusing on the themes of “collaboration, connection and communication”, she said she would drive forward the business community’s priorities.
“Each of these themes is important not only to our work in Scotland, but also to ensuring that we optimise SCC’s place in the worldwide chamber of commerce movement for the benefit of Scottish businesses and the Scottish economy,” she said.
“The chamber of commerce brand is a truly global one, and under my leadership, SCC will make full use of the international connections that we have through the global network of chambers to enable Scottish businesses to grow their international reach.
“Increasing business internationalisation is a key plank of the Scottish Government strategy for economic growth, and one where SCC has a unique contribution to make.”
Senior said creating jobs would be among her top priorities in 2013, along with reducing the burdens and barriers to business growth.