“A RENEWED mood of constructive engagement between business and government” emerged from the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network’s annual business reception on Thursday.

The reception, held at the Scottish Parliament, was hosted by Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson and addressed by the Scottish Government’s Finance Secretary, Derek Mackay.

It was the second milestone event of the week for the Chambers network, which two days earlier hosted the Chinese Ambassador to the UK, Liu Xiaoming, at a dinner for 200 Scottish business people in Glasgow.

At Holyrood, Scottish Chambers of Commerce president Tim Allan said: “Scotland’s businesses are the creators of our jobs and our wealth. Collectively, they are the engine which grows our economy, pays for our essential public services and provides the opportunities for our people to reach their potential.

“It is essential that all of Scotland’s politicians from across the political spectrum understand this and deliver policies that support business growth and competitiveness.”

Scottish Chambers of Commerce chief executive Liz Cameron said: “We are grateful to Ruth Davidson and to Derek Mackay for joining us at our business reception, and are very encouraged by their words of support for the Chamber Network.

“We sensed a renewed mood of constructive engagement between business and government, firmly placing the economy at the centre.

“We will continue to work hard to play our part in making Scotland the best place to do business and all Governments will be measured by the impact of their decision making.”