The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) brought together Politicians, journalists and a solicitor to debate the issue of Scottish Independence and the impact it would have on the UK construction industry, at Dunblane Hydro Hotel on Saturday 15th September.

The debate, the first of its kind, included Keith Brown MSP, Minister for Transport and Veterans; Gordon Banks MP, Shadow Scotland Office Minister; Steve Bargeton, Deputy Editor of the Courier and Anne Struckmeier, leading construction Solicitor and Partner of HBJ Gateley with Gary Robertson of BBC Scotland chairing the discussion.

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The panellist offered contrasting views on whether independence would be good for Scotland. The debate also covered issues such as independence from an SME perspective and the legal issues of independence. FMB Members and leading construction industry representatives attended the debate.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB said: "The question of Scottish independence is important to the UK construction industry. Many construction SMEs, including many of our members, have questions about the business environment they would operate in should Scotland become independent. Some of these questions relate directly to the construction industry, such as the CITB levy and CIS taxation regime, whilst others are common questions for all SME businesses, such as tax rates, employment law, health and safety, capital investment spending, company regulation, currency and border control. The debate provided an opportunity for FMB members to ask these key questions."

(CD)