A powerful coalition of 13 leading Scottish trade associations has launched a joint manifesto, calling on all political parties to place economic competitiveness and infrastructure delivery at the heart of their agendas for the next Scottish Parliament.

The group, known as Trade Associations' Scotland, represents a vast cross-section of the economy—including energy, housing, retail, tourism, and construction—accounting for nearly £90 billion GVA and over 1.4 million jobs. The manifesto warns that the country currently faces significant investment delays due to policy uncertainty, a slow planning system, and critical infrastructure constraints.

The coalition's mandate outlines five key pillars for sustainable growth:

• Tax Competitiveness: Establishing a stable and predictable framework to encourage long-term private investment.

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• Integrated Infrastructure: Aligning energy networks, transport, digital connectivity, and housing.

• Planning Reform: Resetting the consenting process to speed up housing delivery, brownfield regeneration, and marine development.

• Skills Alignment: Ensuring the workforce is prepared for future demands in the construction, energy, and digital sectors.

• Managed Energy Transition: Prioritising renewables and homegrown energy while protecting existing skilled jobs and supply chains.

Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, speaking on behalf of Trade Associations' Scotland, said: "Businesses are ready to invest but confidence depends on tax competitiveness, policy stability, faster delivery and infrastructure that works. This is not about special pleading for any one sector. It is about creating an investable environment where jobs, homes, town centres and energy projects can be delivered at pace."

The manifesto highlights that while sectors like renewable energy already support 47,000 jobs and £15.5 billion in economic activity, further progress is being hampered by grid constraints and slow decarbonisation in heat and transport.

"Scotland has the assets, skills and ambition to compete globally," Claire Mack added. "What businesses are asking for now is delivery: joined-up policy, infrastructure that unlocks growth, and a workforce strategy aligned to future demand. The next Parliament has a real opportunity to set that direction. We are ready to work constructively with all parties as they develop their manifestos ahead of the election. We have a shared goal of strengthening Scotland's economic resilience and long-term prosperity."