Scotland’s leading business, industry and employer organisations have issued a joint statement urging the Scottish and UK governments to focus any devolution deal on driving economic growth.
It says: “Collectively, our membership covers every sector of the economy, corner of the country and size of business.
“With all eyes now on the future, we need to focus on how we can come together to make Scotland the best place to live, work and, above all, do business.
“We need to move forward to realise our growth ambitions, create more jobs, increase investment and ensure that Scotland is open for business.
“We all recognise that business and entrepreneurship has a crucial role to play in delivering the fairer and more prosperous Scotland for which so many expressed a keen desire during the referendum campaign.
“Not only do we create jobs, opportunities and revenues, a life in business can open up a whole world of possibilities for those with the creativity and drive.”
It adds: “With the Scottish Parliament set to become a more powerful force in our economy, the touchstones of the new devolution settlement must be boosting business and growth.
“It is also really important for business that whatever settlement is now agreed is stable and sustainable, and seen to be so.
“In the weeks and months to come, we envisage playing a full, constructive part in making this happen – and that must include a discussion around how any extra powers should be used to make Scottish business more competitive.”
The statement is signed by the Federation of Small Businesses, Scottish Chambers of Commerce, Institute of Directors, Confederation of British Industry , Scottish Financial Enterprise, Scottish Council for Development and Industry, ScotlandIS, Chemical Sciences Scotland, Scotch Whisky Association, Scottish Retail Consortium, Scottish Engineering, Scottish Building Federation and accountancy group ICAS.