Businesses take opportunity to engage with local MSPs

Around 30 local business representatives were given the chance recently to engage directly with the area’s MSPs in the first of a series of session organised by Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce.

The event brought together local employers and business leaders with MSPs Dawn Black, Liam Kerr, Lloyd Melville and Michael Marra in a relaxed setting at the Chamber’s City Quay office.

Business representatives are pictured with the area’s MSPs who attended the Coffee with Constituents event.

placeholder image — Business representatives are pictured with the area’s MSPs who attended the Coffee with Constituents event.

With no formal agenda or speeches, attendees, from Carolina House Trust to SSEN Transmission, raised a wide range of topics affecting businesses and the wider local economy.

These included strengthening support for unpaid carers, improving workforce participation, and connecting with local businesses to create more jobs.

The event followed the Chamber’s Scottish Election Hustings earlier this year, when Michael Marra MSP made a public commitment to maintain regular engagement with the local business community.

It also highlighted the willingness of elected representatives from across the political spectrum to engage directly with businesses, listen to concerns, and better understand the opportunities and challenges facing organisations operating across the wider region

Alison Henderson, Chamber CEO, said: “Bringing together a wide range of local businesses and elected representatives in one room created the opportunity for conversations that might not otherwise happen.

“The informal format encouraged honest discussion and constructive dialogue on the issues that matter most to businesses across our region.

“The conversations throughout the morning were constructive, insightful and demonstrated the value of bringing together those shaping policy with those driving our local economy.”

Mr Marra said: “I welcomed the opportunity to meet with local businesses and hear first-hand about the opportunities and challenges they face.

“As I said at the Hustings earlier this year, ongoing engagement with the business community is vital, and I remain committed to working constructively with local employers.”

For further information about future events, visit www.dundeeandanguschamber.co.uk.