Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce hosting Reform Scotland speaker

The Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce continues its commitment to giving businesses the opportunity to understand how the issues relating to next year’s referendum on Scottish Independence impact them. It is hosting a dinner at which Ben Thomson, the chair of influential think tank, Reform Scotland, will speak, on 15 April 2013.

Reform Scotland is an independent think tank researching and promoting policies to improve the Scottish economic environment. At the Edinburgh Chamber event Ben Thomson will set out the Devo Plus proposals and how they might be used to improve the business environment in Scotland.

The Chamber launched a consultation process in the run up to referendum in February offering businesses the opportunity to engage with the process and understand the potential impact on them. It is hosting a number of events with key policy makers from all sides of the independence debate. There will also be other opportunities for engagement through social media.

David Birrell, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive said:- “We are delighted that Ben is going to offer Edinburgh businesses the chance to get a clear understanding of what Devo Plus might mean to them. We’d urge our members to come along and engage with the process – make sure they ask questions and ensure their views are heard and help shape the wider debate.”

Mr Thomson said:- “The referendum has raised the probability of significant change in Scotland. Whether we get a Yes or No vote, it is now likely that Holyrood will get greater fiscal powers, and businesses will have to assess the risks and opportunities of such change.”

The event is being held at The George Hotel in Edinburgh on Monday 15 April 2013.

Further events in the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Referendum series will be announced in due course.

Submitted by Joanna Buggy