SCOTTISH FIRMS should be planning for the possibility of independence, according to the UK business secretary.
Vince Cable said it was not surprising most movers and shakers in Scottish industry felt separating from the rest of the UK would impact badly across the whole country.
However, he claimed no one was being complacent about the outcome of the 2014 referendum.
Mr Cable said Scottish business owners have told him they think they would be adversely hit if the country became independent, a view reflected in an Ipsos Mori poll published today.
He pointed to low business rates, the minimum wage and the advantages of being part of the UK’s trade and industry as reasons for Scottish businesses to oppose the break-up of Britain.
He said: “There are considerable attractions of being part of the UK single market and leaving it would create a great deal of uncertainty.
“There is the additional uncertainty about Scotland’s membership of the European Union.
“There are things people take for granted, and all of these are part of being in the UK.
“The overall approach of the UK government, and me personally, is that Scottish membership of the UK is good for Scotland and good for the UK.”
Mr Cable said the fact that three-quarters of businesses have not started to plan for independence showed the Better Together campaign had built up a head of momentum.
However, he warned against taking a result in the referendum for granted and urged people to make sure they are prepared for all eventualities.
“I think that’s the way it’s heading (towards a “no” vote), but I don’t think anybody should be complacent,” he added.
“The case has to be made and arguments have to be dealt with intelligently and based on evidence.
“People in Scotland are pretty hard headed and we need to deal with the issues properly.
“I’m not complacent, even though it looks that way at the moment.
“They (companies) should certainly think about the alternative and what it means for their business.
“I would encourage them to do that summary planning.”
kiandrews@thecourier.co.uk