Name the millionaires who will be voting for Labour tomorrow (Thursday). See the list below.
by Kate Watson
In a significant eve of poll boost, the entrepreneurs and company owners say Mr Sarwar would be “transformational” for businesses in every part of Scotland and urge all business leaders to support him.
They lambast the SNP for failing to understand business and work with them and say that, after 20 years of the SNP, Scotland’s economy needs political change to drive growth.
In an open letter published today and signed by more than 30 key business figures, they say Mr Sarwar understands the pressures faced by business and the crucial role they can play in helping to renew Scotland.
Among those who have signed the letter are some of Scotland’s most successful business people who employ thousands of people across a range of sectors, including manufacturing, transport, retail, and tourism.
The letter says: “After 20 years of the SNP, our economy needs change.
“It is time Scotland had a government and First Minister who understands the economy and actually wants our industries to succeed.
“That is why we are backing Anas Sarwar as Scotland’s next First Minister and urge all other business leaders to do the same.
“For too long, Scotland has not had a government that understands the importance of industry.
“Economic growth will only happen if the government works together with business to drive investment and create jobs, but under the SNP, policy is done to business, as opposed to being designed with us.
“Anas has made clear that a Scottish Labour government led by him will confront barriers that are holding back Scottish businesses, from the smallest start-up to the largest corporation.
“From tackling the skills crisis, to overturning the ideological block to new nuclear energy, supporting the construction industry, improving transport, delivering a fairer tax system and promoting Scottish exports, the plans set out by Anas would be transformational for businesses in every part of the country.”
Signatories to the letter include the owners of Greenock-based PG Paper and a businessman with a range of companies, including a quarry and music recording studio.
“From speaking to Anas Sarwar regularly and looking at the party’s manifesto, it’s clear he understands the concerns of business and will work with us to bring success to Scotland.”
Paul McManus, who owns a range of businesses and is the drummer with rock band Gun, said: “We don’t need more talk, we need action, and Anas Sarwar has a clear plan to support businesses in delivering growth.
“From abolishing business rates to making it easier for Scottish firms to bid for public contracts, he has outlined a series of measures which will help businesses create jobs and wider prosperity.”
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said: “Only Scottish Labour has a coherent industrial strategy which will support business, create jobs and prosperity, grow our economy and make life more affordable.
“That has now been recognised by some of the biggest names in Scottish business.
“The choice we face on May 7 is more of the same or real change with Scottish Labour.
“I’m standing as First Minister to fix the mess, get the basics right, and build a better future for Scotland.”
SIGNATORIES TO OPEN LETTER FROM SENIOR BUSINESS LEADERS BACKING ANAS SARWAR TO BE FIRST MINISTER:
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Poonam Gupta
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Puneet Gupta
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Willie Haughey
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James Easdale
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Sandy Easdale
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Vijay Kumar
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Sukhuir Dhillion
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Charles Quinn
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Jarnal Singh
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Alastair Morrison
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Ryan Somerville
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Kyron Keogh
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John Sweeney
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Mary McGowne
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Julie Brown
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Donald MacLeod
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Paul McManus
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John Carrigan
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Bill McEvoy
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Abid Faqir
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John Gilligan
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Andy Smillie
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Kevin Hague
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Ewan Venters
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James Quinn
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Mike Soutar
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Manjit Mooker
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Iain Wilkie
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Barrie Clapham
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Mark Hollinshead
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Raymond Hamilton
Website: https://www.scottishlabour.org.uk.