This year has brought significant political shifts. Scotland has (another) new First Minister. The UK has a new Prime Minister. But while politicians come and go, the challenges facing businesses across the country remain constant—and increasingly, they’re growing more complex.
Businesses are facing a host of hurdles: rising operational costs, workforce shortages, the push for sustainability, and adapting to the rapid pace of digital transformation. Meanwhile, unpredictable policies and economic turbulence make long-term planning almost laughably difficult. What businesses need, at a minimum, is stability, clear communication, and, perhaps most importantly, a seat at the table where decisions affecting them are made.
Yet, too often, businesses feel disconnected from the politicians making policies that impact them directly. This is where public affairs comes in. At BIG, we don’t see our role as opening doors to politicians or trading in favours. Our job is to create meaningful relationships between businesses and government that lead to action. We facilitate conversations that power economic growth, attract investment, and create jobs. The connection between business and politics isn’t just important—it’s absolutely essential if we are to have a thriving economy.
As a business owner, I can attest that few things are more gratifying than seeing your people thrive. There is a unique satisfaction in giving someone their first real opportunity and watching them flourish. Business leaders are inherently driven to create, to grow, and to employ. But increasingly, growth is no longer just a challenge—it’s become a Herculean task.
The goals of business and government, in truth, are not so different. Both want economic stability, job creation, and a society in which people prosper. And yet, businesses—especially the small and medium-sized enterprises that form the backbone of our economy—are expected to do it all on their own, with little more than a passing pat on the back. If we are to achieve real progress, genuine collaboration from government is essential.
That’s why we’re sponsoring the Politics in Business Award at The Herald Scottish Politician of the Year Awards. This isn’t merely about recognising achievement; it’s about celebrating those politicians who understand the value of a strong alliance between public and private sectors. It’s about highlighting those who build bridges that have real, tangible benefits for the business community.
In today’s politically charged climate, it is all too easy to grow cynical about both politics and business. Polarisation, heightened rhetoric, and deep-seated mistrust have made collaboration feel like an increasingly uphill battle. We must remember that the challenges we face as a society are too complex for any one sector to tackle alone. The ingenuity of business and the authority of politics must come together to create lasting solutions. Business and politics are not adversaries, but rather partners with shared interests in building a resilient economy and a society that works for all.
This goes beyond mere lobbying or advocacy. We need a new era of cooperation—a recognition of just how deeply intertwined our futures truly are. When businesses and governments engage meaningfully, they unlock the innovations and opportunities that drive genuine economic growth.
The businesses that will drive our country’s growth must be involved in decision-making, not as a box ticking exercise or to pay lip service, but as genuine partners in shaping policy. Only through authentic collaboration can we hope to achieve meaningful progress. At BIG, we are committed to deepening these connections, both at Holyrood and Westminster, and championing those who understand the value of this critical partnership. We have to find a way of making this marriage work. Our nation’s future depends on it.
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