Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray and Dr Poonam Malik co-chaired the first meeting of the New Deal for Business Group.
Business leaders and organisations, COSLA and Scottish Government laid the foundations for how they will work together to deliver a fairer, greener wellbeing economy for all of Scotland’s people.
Mr Gray said:
“Businesses have been telling us what is important to them and by coming together and listening we can work to achieve common goals and align Scottish Government policy with what the private sector needs.
“I was delighted to see the strong enthusiasm, energy and commitment at this first meeting to ensure we deliver on the aims of the New Deal.
“This includes providing an interim report to the First Minister by the end of June.
“Today we established who would lead on the subgroups working to improve the development and implementation of regulation, to enhance the Non-Domestic Rates system, to look at business contribution to a wellbeing economy and to use shared data to respond to emerging opportunities and changes in the business climate.
“The parameters and priorities which will drive forward the key areas of the New Deal – enhanced partnership working; a shared awareness of economic conditions and performance; ensuring the best environment to do business; and a transition to a wellbeing economy – have been agreed by all.”