Hospitality businesses urged to look forward after Scotland rejects independence

The results of the historic referendum were announced this morning, with just over 55 per cent of Scots voting no, compared to around 45 per cent voting yes in favour of independence.

This means that Scotland will remain part of the UK, although the UK government has promised to devolve further powers to Scottish Parliament, giving the country more control over legislation and spending.

Pushing forward​

The impact of independence on hospitality was a hotly debated issue​​, with some arguing that it would boost tourism and increase business opportunities, and others warning it could hit investment across the industry.

However, with a no vote now firmly in the bag, William Macleod, executive director of BHA Scotland, said the Scottish hospitality industry should welcome the ‘clarity’ the referendum gave on Scotland’s position in the UK, and focus on pushing for policies that allow tourism to thrive in the country.

“There are many issues that will require attention as arrangements are made to devolve greater powers to the Scottish Parliament,” he said.

“Hospitality and tourism are vitally important to the Scottish economy with some 15% of the population working in the industry. The sector has consistently demonstrated resilience, adaptability and innovation, especially over the last five years or so and is showing clear signs of recovery. This recovery can be sustained if the economic and political conditions are in place to support this.”

Macleod said the BHA would work closely with the Scottish government in the run-up to the elections in the Spring of 2016 to represent the interests of hospitality businesses.

He added that the industry would also take advantage of the ‘great exposure’ in the international media that Scotland has enjoyed in the run-up to the referendum and as a result of hosting the Commonwealth Games and forthcoming Ryder Cup.

“This is likely to stimulate heightened interest in visiting the country for leisure or business purposes,” he said.

“England remains Scotland’s most important tourism market and we must send out the message that Scotland is very much open for business and that all visitors are welcome.”

Business opportunities ​

Phil Orford, chief executive of the Forum of Private Business, recognised that some small business owners would be disappointed by the no vote, ‘having seen business opportunities in an independent Scotland’.

However, he urged members and other small businesses across the country to move forward and make the most of the fact the UK will remain united.

 “For all business owners, regardless of the way they voted, it is now vital that they focus on growing their businesses over the coming years with a relative platform of stability,” he said.

“The Forum of Private Business will ensure their voice is heard by Scotland’s leaders to help positively influence the use of additional powers that Westminster has already promised to grant them.”

Promoting tourism​

UKinbound, which represents the interests of the UK’s inbound tourism sector including hotels and restaurants, welcomed the decision by Scotland to remain part of the UK.

The organisation’s chief executive Deirdre Wells said that after a ‘period of some uncertainty’, the hospitality and tourism industry could now focus on promoting Scotland’s ‘extraordinary appeal and enormous potential for growth’.

"Through our representative based in Scotland, UKinbound will continue with its plans to support existing Scottish members as well as bringing on board new ones, providing them with a range of business development opportunities. We will also continue to champion the inbound tourism industry to Scotland both at Scottish Government and at Westminster level,” she said.

"Vital to our members is ensuring that Scotland as a destination provides good quality, value for money product for visitors and that we create a favourable economic environment for the industry to continue to flourish. We therefore await with interest the announcement of further devolved powers to the Scottish Parliament.”