'Urgent reset' vital between Scottish Gov and businesses

Yousaf resigned from his post as Scotland’s First Minister on Monday 29 April after 13 months in the role.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) leader faced two votes of no confidence and said the decision to stand down was made with the best interests of the party, Government and country in mind.

Myriad problems 

SLTA ​managing director Colin Wilkinson said: “We wish Humza Yousaf all the very best for the future and what comes next in his political career, and we look forward to working with his successor and indeed Mr Yousaf until that successor is in post.

“We initially welcomed Mr Yousaf’s pledge to ‘reset’ the Scottish Government’s relationship with business in the wake of turmoil caused by the Covid pandemic, Brexit and misplaced legislation when he was named as Scotland’s new First Minister just over a year ago, in March 2023.

“However, that early enthusiasm clearly waned as hospitality businesses and the licensed trade have continued to struggle since his arrival in Bute House and there appears to have been no real understanding – or willingness to understand – the myriad problems and challenges facing what is one of the biggest employers in Scotland.”

The association added one of its key requests from Holyrood going forward was to find a “meaningful solution” to change the current non-domestic rates system, which it said was “hugely outdated” and “in need of reform”.

Welcome move

In addition, the SLTA ​implored while VAT was not a “devolved issue”, a reduction would be a “welcome move” for the hospitality and licensed trade.
Wilkinson continued: “We hope Holyrood and Westminster can discuss this as an urgent measure to help businesses in this important sector given our major contribution to Scotland’s economy ​and its important tourism industry.
“We urge Mr Yousaf’s successor to pick up on his pledge to work with the business community and implement an urgent reset in the relationship between the Scottish Government and businesses.”