As the runners and riders in the general election start to catch sight of the campaign finishing line, firms in the north and north-east will be will be paying close attention to promises and pledges made in the final furlongs.
Whoever makes it to the winner’s enclosure, there will be a weight of expectation on them to get to work quickly with measures to address the uncertainty that has bedevilled the business world for the past year.
Scottish Chambers of Commerce chief executive Liz Cameron has said that in the immediate aftermath of the election there will be a “golden opportunity” for the Scottish and UK governments to set politics aside and co-ordinate their activities “as never before” to create an industrial strategy that will help business succeed throughout a post-Brexit Britain.
Much attention will be focused locally and further afield on this week’s launch of the SNP’s manifesto after it was delayed by the tragic events in Manchester. All the indications are the document will have a heavy focus on public finances.
On the corporate front, Aberdeen-based transport giant FirstGroup’s annual results are due to be published on Thursday. The firm is preparing to take over the running of the South Western Trains rail franchise in a joint venture with Hong Kong’s MRT Corporation later this summer.
Among other companies reporting full-year results this week is Ryanair. Also expected to remain in the news in the coming days will be BA, whose weekend IT problems hit scheduled flights at Aberdeen and Inverness.
Finally, staying with the aviation theme, this week will see the new international arrivals facilities unveiled at Aberdeen International Airport as part of its £20million expansion.
