Chamber News
Our Business Plan for Moray
3 October 2025 • Sarah Medcraf
Moray Chamber of Commerce Launches 'Our Business Plan for Moray': Demands Action on Infrastructure, Skills and Costs Ahead of Scottish Elections
Moray Chamber of Commerce has today released "Our Business Plan for Moray," a comprehensive manifesto detailing the actions required to unlock growth, secure jobs and strengthen communities in the region. Positioned ahead of the Scottish Elections, the plan serves as a clear, deliverable set of actions to achieve growth, opportunity and prosperity.
A Vision for Growth
Moray stands at the heart of the Inverness–Aberdeen growth corridor, with world-class strengths in whisky and food & drink, renewable energy, tourism, advanced manufacturing, and defence. Yet, businesses across the region face significant challenges in connectivity, workforce development, housing, and costs.
The Business Plan identifies actionable priorities to address these barriers and create an environment where businesses and communities can thrive.
A Call for Partnership
The Chamber is urging all political candidates and parties to commit to the plan and work in partnership with the business community to deliver long-term growth and prosperity.
Key Priorities
INFRASTRUCTURE & CONNECTIVITY
Moray’s future depends on connectivity. To support investment, tourism, and workforce mobility, we call for:
A96 Dualling: Commit to a clear, funded timeline to deliver dualling and unlock economic growth.
Digital Connectivity: Ensure high-speed rural broadband and 5G coverage to enable
businesses and remote work.
Public Transport: Expand rural transport links to improve workforce access and visitor
numbers.
Growth Corridor Recognition: Position Moray as a strategic driver of Scotland’s northern economy.
WORKFORCE & SKILLS
Our workforce is our greatest asset. To retain and attract talent, we need:
Affordable Childcare: Flexible, affordable childcare so parents can work and
businesses can thrive.
Targeted Skills Investment: Training aligned to renewables, manufacturing, tourism,
and digital growth sectors.
Talent Retention & Attraction: Policies that make rural living and working in Moray a
desirable choice.
BUSINESS COSTS & SUPPORT
High costs and barriers can stifle growth. We urge action on:
Business Rates Reform: Fair and competitive rates for SMEs, retail, hospitality, and tourism.
Energy Costs & Grid Capacity: Affordable energy and upgraded infrastructure, especially for manufacturers and renewables.
Access to Finance: Grants and low-interest loans tailored to rural businesses and start-ups.
HOUSING & POPULATION
A thriving workforce needs a thriving community. We call for:
Affordable & Workforce Housing: Address shortages to retain staff and attract new residents.
Planning Reform: Streamlined processes for housing and commercial development to accelerate growth.
SECTOR-SPECIFIC PRIORITIES
Moray’s key industries are engines of growth. We propose:
Tourism Recovery & Growth: Fund destination development and marketing to boost visitor numbers.
Health & Social Care Access: Ensure rural healthcare to support workforce retention and attract families.
Renewables & Green Energy: Support renewable investment and local supply chain opportunities.
Manufacturing: Strengthen exports, local procurement, and infrastructure to secure sustainable growth.
Sarah Medcraf, Chief Executive, Moray Chamber of Commerce said: “Our Business Plan for Moray sets out a clear, ambitious, and practical vision. It’s built directly from the voices of our members and wider business community, reflecting both the challenges and the opportunities we face.
This plan is a call for partnership with government, industry and with our communities to unlock Moray’s potential and create sustainable growth for generations to come.”
Graham Alexander, President, Moray Chamber of Commerce said: “This plan demonstrates the determination and ambition of Moray’s business community. It highlights the steps we must take to strengthen our economy, retain and attract talent, and ensure that Moray plays its full role in Scotland’s future. By working together and backing the priorities in this plan, we can deliver the connectivity, investment, and opportunities our businesses and communities need to grow to their full potential.”