The Scottish Government has announced that it is aiming to work alongside the private sector as it develops policy, as part of a new group to deepen connections with the private sector.
Named the New Deal for Business Group, Scottish Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray will co-chair the group alongside Dr Poonam Malik, Head of Investments at the University of Strathclyde.The group is to focus on key areas that look to achieve common goals. The overall aims of the group include:
- Agreeing ways to involve business at the earliest stages of policy development, to ensure it is effective and proportionate.
- Improving the development and implementation of regulation – such as public health restrictions on advertising and promotions – and properly assessing its impact on particular sectors.
- Establishing a consultive sub-group to advise on further enhancements to the Non-Domestic Rates system, following the final implementation of the independent Barclay Review.
- Demonstrating how business contributes to a wellbeing economy – for example supporting parents into jobs – and working in partnership with employers to maximise this.
Neil Gray, Wellbeing Economy Secretary, said:
“I look forward to working with Dr Malik and other members off the New Deal Group to deepen our relationship with business, not only by engaging and communicating, but actively working together to achieve common goals and align Scottish Government policy with business.
“In the Scottish Government’s Policy Prospectus, the First Minister pledged to help business trade to thrive and maximise the opportunity of the green economy which prospers while caring for people and planet. This is our vision for a wellbeing economy.”
The main areas that the group will focus on as it looks to achieve the aforementioned aims are:
- Economic conditions and performance
- Ensuring the best environment to do business
- A transition to a wellbeing economy
The University of Strathclyde’s Head of Investments, Dr Poonam Malik, said:
“I look forward to working as part of the New Deal for Business Group to build constructive relationships and push forward a successful and enabling wellbeing economy for Scotland – something I’m passionate about. The establishment of this Group is timely, given the external turbulences and big economic challenges, but I believe we can work through these together to make the most of the opportunities of a Just Transition.
“My experience has shown me that improved collaboration and meaningful engagement can bring about positive change in growing economies and support businesses with purpose to have a positive impact on communities. We will take a refreshed approach to our common vision and shared economic goals to deliver a healthy and happy future with the equitable and fair society that we all aspire to.”
