29 Jan 2025
Commenting on the Chancellor’s latest announcement, Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“The additional runway at Heathrow creates a huge opportunity for Scotland’s SMEs and can deliver significantly more than 16,000 jobs and £14bn of investment.
“However, it needs Labour to support the previous commitment for the construction of a new supply chain hub in Scotland where materials for Heathrow’s expansion will be pre-assembled and sent to the airport in consolidated loads.
“Our businesses must have the opportunity to win contracts at Heathrow, with our 20 biggest suppliers, including Atkins and Balfour Beatty, as outlined in the previous MoU. Direct access to the airport’s biggest suppliers, allows us to provide a pipeline of expertise, and will provide Scottish business with the credibility and leverage to secure work on other projects both in the UK and internationally.
“A report commissioned when Heathrow expansion was proposed in 2017, estimated that Scotland would benefit from more than 16,000 jobs and £14bn of investment. Given the current economic position that is likely to be hugely understated.
“What will also be key is making sure we have increased domestic connectivity to Scotland and more direct flights, helping us provide the national and international connectivity vital to economic growth.
“The SCC also welcomes the drive to ease the huge burdens of regulations delaying and preventing important investment and growth. However, what we need is streamlined infrastructure which is closely linked to the new development of factories, new homes, new offices and new R&D facilities.
“Investment in infrastructure must be delivered as part of a wider strategy for the development and investment to follow. Governments need to provide the further support and intervention required to boost the investment and expansion of existing businesses and new homes to respond to existing under-provision and new demand.
“It is disappointing that the Chancellor’s speech did not mention any investment on the Glasgow Investment Zone which focusses on two areas - the joint project between AGS, owners of Glasgow Airport, and Renfrewshire Council and the areas around Strathclyde University – or any support for the areas included in unsuccessful Green Freeport bids such as Greenock and Mossend. They are vital to stimulating much needed growth and the investment in jobs Scotland badly needs.”
