Subscribe to our Construction Newsfeed
Scotland Construction Directory
Search our 14,698 companies....

Construction News

03/09/2012

CBI Calls On Scotland For Infrastructure And Economy

Business leaders have called on the government to test all new policies for their impact on the economy, and to fund new infrastructure projects by cutting some ties between Scottish Water and the public purse.

CBI Scotland announced its priorities ahead of the Scottish Government's announcement, expected tomorrow, of its new legislative and administrative programme for the coming year.

Speaking ahead of the First Minister's statement at Holyrood, CBI Scotland's Director, Iain McMillan, said:

"The past twelve months have been tough for business and for the economy. As we face the coming year, our political leaders need to channel their collective energies into aiding the recovery and ensuring the delivery of policies that help.
-- Advertisement --
NorthernAsbestosServicesLtd



"The overriding challenge to our politicians is straightforward - test all policies against a single benchmark: will it make Scotland a better place to create jobs and wealth as the economic recovery takes hold?"

CBI Scotland called for the following:

• The scrapping of the current Scottish Government Bill which seeks to increase the business rates paid by firms with empty commercial premises by £36m over the next two years

• More public services to be contracted out to the private and third sectors, giving independent providers a right to bid

• Free up additional monies for GDP-enhancing infrastructure projects by mutualising Scottish Water or turning it into a public interest company, thus making it less reliant on the public purse

• Compulsory Business & Regulatory Impact Assessments for any future proposals to introduce new or additional business taxes

(NE)

Latest Construction News

17/04/2025
A joint venture between Sir Robert McAlpine Capital Ventures and Buccleuch Property has successfully acquired 101 Centre Street in Glasgow, signalling a significant investment in the city's burgeoning southbank area. The 50/50 partnership aims to unlock substantial redevelopment potential on the 1.7
17/04/2025
Biotech firm MiAlgae has taken a significant step in its expansion plans by submitting proposals for a new production facility in Grangemouth, Scotland. The move is set to bolster Scotland’s green economic transition, with the first phase of the site projected to generate over 100 green jobs once op
17/04/2025
Scottish Water has completed the initial phase of a significant peatland restoration project at Loch Katrine, a vital source of drinking water for over a million customers in Glasgow and the surrounding areas. The 400-hectare initiative aims to enhance water quality by reducing the amount of organ
17/04/2025
Clark Contracts has commenced work on a new £30 million purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development on Osborne Street in Glasgow. The contractor was appointed by Ambassador Group to undertake the design and build of the 273-bed project. Located in the heart of Glasgow City Centre withi
17/04/2025
Seven projects dedicated to promoting, celebrating, and enhancing Scotland's rich and diverse heritage are set to receive a share of £3.9 million in funding. The grants have been awarded through Historic Environment Scotland's (HES) Partnership Fund, which supports third-sector organisations making
17/04/2025
The Viking Community Fund has distributed over £1 million to 52 projects in the Shetland Islands since its inception on 1 September 2024. The funding has provided vital support to a diverse range of community initiatives, from small grants for youth clubs and sports teams to significant investment
17/04/2025
The Finishes & Interiors Sector (FIS) has announced a new partnership with The Skills Centre to provide essential training and support for individuals seeking careers in the finishes and interiors sector. The collaboration is a direct response to the increasing skills shortage within the constructio
17/04/2025
John Aitchison, Managing Director of Maxi Construction, has announced the successful acquisition of several new contracts. Commenting on the recent awards, Mr Aitchison stated: "These contracts represent repeat business and awards via some of the frameworks we’re appointed to. We look forward to suc
16/04/2025
Construction work on the £5 million repair and refurbishment project at the Loch Centre in Tranent is scheduled to commence in June 2026. East Lothian Council has announced the anticipated start date for the significant upgrade to the well-used community facility. Under the current timetable, the
16/04/2025
A £636,000 project to install solar panels at the Gorbals water pumping station in South Ayrshire has been successfully completed. The scheme aims to provide a renewable energy source for pumping water to thousands of customers in the region. The project involved the installation of 793 solar pan
Morris & Spottiswood LtdRBT Underfloor LimitedMaccaferri LtdPD ServicesMV CommercialSMS Alba Limited@rchitects Scotland LtdProlink Building Solutions LtdCross BlindsDiscount Kitchens and Bathrooms Ltd