I commend The Journal and IBS Wealth Management for holding the Scottish Referendum breakfast Debate last month ahead of the polls.
The event aimed to bring clarity to business owners about the impact of the fight for Scottish independence and it was an honour to have our own Sarah Spence from the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) on hand to gather as much information as possible to share with our clients back at the BIC.
With more than 140 businesses here on site from a wide range of sectors, it is important to ensure that they are represented in any debate that will impact upon them.
For 20 years the BIC have supported established businesses and that is why it is vital we attend events like the breakfast debate to keep up to date with news of the region and to ensure we can inform our clients of exactly what is occurring and how it could affect SMEs.
We are all aware that changes happen but it is important that as business owners and leaders we know about these new circumstances in depth. For with knowledge comes preparation and it is then we can understand trends and expectations.
The vote for Scottish Independence will alter everything, regardless of the outcome a no vote has just as much political impact as a yes vote would too.
And at the time of writing this column the latest polls were that 51% of Scottish voters will reject the independence with just 38% supporting the Yes vote. (WhatScotlandThinks, August 15). The voting intentions have changed over time with both yes and no campaigns winning new support and the number of those who said they don’t know how they will vote dropping from 21% to 11%.
And to be honest it is very hard to get down off the fence and pick a side on this one, for the breakfast debate and other reports all illustrate that the arguments for and against are very compelling.
One familiar theme has come out of all of this and that is hope. For where there is uncertainty there is also an opportunity and that is what we should be looking to, how the North East can tap into resources and alliances to make a stronger North regardless if Scotland separates or remains.
The campaigns are in full swing and the vote edges closer to the conclusion. I am sure it is all something we will be keeping one eye on and once the results are in I will come back to this topic and review the effect this bears on businesses in the region.