Last week\'s Scottish Chambers of Commerce survey of the attitudes of Scottish businesses to the independence debate has been complemented by a survey conducted by SCC\'s sister organisation, the British Chambers of Commerce, examining the attitudes of businesses throughout the rest of the UK. Commenting, Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
\"It comes as little surprise that businesses in the rest of the UK are less affected by the independence debate than those here in Scotland, but it is clear that awareness levels are rising sharply as the referendum approaches and businesses in Scotland\'s largest export market are developing their reactions to the debate we are having in Scotland.
\"While those south of the border may not have a vote, their attitudes will be key to what happens after the referendum, whether or not Scotland chooses the path of independence. The attitudes of businesses in the rest of the UK to such issues as a shared currency with an independent Scotland would be vital to independence negotiations. In this respect, it is very interesting that the most commonly expressed preference of businesses in the rest of the UK, like Scotland, is for a formal currency union. Equally English, Welsh and Northern Irish attitudes to further devolution and the Barnett Formula would be crucial to defining the governance of Scotland if the vote is \'no\'. There is a clear contrast between the strong mood for change and more powers in Scotland and the demands for a review of Scotland’s funding settlement coming from south of the border.
\"Whatever Scotland decides, the economic reality is that some two thirds of our exports currently go to the rest of the UK. It is, and will remain, a critical market and partner for Scotland whatever the outcome of the referendum. Therefore the views of business people elsewhere on these islands matter. Even if they do not have a vote in September, their influence both politically and economically in the wake of the referendum will play a part in shaping Scotland\'s future. We would all do well to listen to what they have to say.\"
