Achi news desk-
And the Scottish Retail Consortium declared that economic growth should be a “priority of priorities” for the new holder.
READ MORE: Will Scotland’s next First Minister really “get” business?
David Lonsdale, director of the SRC, said: “The Scottish Retail Consortium congratulates Mr Swinney on becoming the leader of the SNP and the presumptive next First Minister.
“He takes up his post at a critical time for the economy after four years of falling out of the pandemic and the cost squeeze. We look forward to working constructively with the new ministerial team to ensure that the economy is a priority for the priorities.
“At the heart of this should be an economic growth plan that eases the growing regulatory burden, gets rid of the rumored business rates surtax on grocery stores, and finally delivers on the promise to restore business rates parity with England for medium and larger commercial properties. After all, an expanding economy is good for living standards and job prospects as well as government revenues.”
Tracy Black, Confederation of British Industry (CBI) devolved countries ambassador, said: “We congratulate John Swinney on becoming the new leader of the SNP. Mr Swinney engaged positively with business in his previous roles as Deputy First Minister and interim Finance Secretary and we look forward to working with him as First Minister.
READ MORE: ‘King of the Clubs’ had so many stories about Glasgow’s most famous rock acts
“With the Scottish economy continuing to tread water, the new First Minister has no time to waste. We need to create a competitive and resilient economy that promotes business and provides opportunities for communities across Scotland.
“We look forward to re-engaging with Mr Swinney on measures to support improved productivity through innovation and technology, ensure our highly educated workforce contributes to sustainable economic growth and encourage global investment and skilled workers to Scotland.”
