Scottish Labour should mean business as well

It has been fantastic watching new Scottish Labour MSPs working so effectively since the election, both at Holyrood and in their communities.  It has been equally heartening to see those same MSPs, and others in the group, being so heavily involved in issues that will be front and centre over the next five years.

From Paul Sweeney and Pam Duncan-Glancy fighting for better services in Glasgow, to Martin Whitfield highlighting the importance of involving young people in real policy development.

We need to do more of this and broaden our coalition to also involve more of those in the business sector who share our values and are frustrated with the SNP for a lack of clear economic strategy or approach.

In the past, there has been a seeming reluctance for Scottish Labour to engage with business but we ignore this group at our peril.  Afterall, the first concern of almost all of the voters we must win over is their job or career, be that in the public sector or private sector.  They want to pay the bills, of course, but also be valued and see career progression, increased income and job satisfaction.  We need to work with businesses, unions and employees to make that happen.

We must harness the ideas business has for how government at local or national level should support and them either to start-up or to grow.  This is not just a matter of funding, often businesses are looking for clear guidance if they are welcome in certain areas or not, are the supply chains and skills in place so they can grow.

By helping businesses setup, stay or grow in Scotland, we are helping our target voters meet their own aspirations for their careers and families as well.

We need to reach out to businesses who don’t naturally engage with government or who have backed away from politics because they feel the current administration doesn’t understand or support them effectively.

We must use that knowledge and ensure that creating as well as keeping jobs is a key component of our manifestos for the Council elections next year and beyond.