Tom Johnston, president of Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce, says politicians based at Holyrood and Westminster must work together to deliver the political change that both sides of the independence debate desire.

Writing in the Chamber’s autumn Business Matters publication, Mr Johnston said that although his organisation had remained neutral throughout the Indyref debate, it had held a number of cross-party gatherings to ensure the needs and issues of the business community in Renfrewshire were aired and discussed. He said the Renfrewshire Chamber was “on the ball” in that it was the first chamber in the UK to hold a cross party referendum debate, followed by numerous similar events in the lead up to September 18.

However, now that the referendum is over, he called upon political leaders north and south of the border to move forward in the best interests of Scotland and its business community.

He said: “After a long campaign that engaged a record number of people across Scotland it is time to get together and focus on matters that will be best for Scotland - both sides of the debate agree that political change is needed.” Although he hinted at a growing sense of optimism across the business community following the no vote, Mr Johnston went on to sound a cautious note about the so-called ‘vow’ that was presented to the electorate in the days before the vote.

And he expressed concern that the potential for further uncertainty could be detrimental to the economy.

He added: “Commentators have the opinion that from a narrow business perspective, economic and financial confidence has perhaps regained its balance and that this will drive higher activity particularly in the property sector as pent up demand and projects that have been shelved for some time will be dusted down and pushed through.

“However concerns exist over the level of power the UK Government will afford Scotland after the famous or infamous ‘vow’, particularly in relation to possible tax-raising powers. Changes on this scale in my view always bring an element of uncertainty which is not good for business. Ministers at Westminster and Holyrood now need to come together to provide clarity.” Turning to local developments, Mr Johnston welcomed the recent announcement of the “City Deal” initiative that promises to deliver new infrastructure projects across the Clyde Valley region.

The deal involves £1.13 billion of infrastructure investment over the next decade with the UK and Scottish governments each committing £500 million and participating local authorities, including Renfrewshire Council, putting in a combined £130 million.

Of particular interest to Renfrewshire is the resurrection of the Glasgow Airport Rail Link project, the proposed bridge over the River Clyde, linking Renfrew to Yoker and potential developments around Renfrew riverside and the airport. Mr Johnston went on to welcome news of more jobs being created at Braehead and Inchinnan as well as at Doosan Babcock in Renfrew.

The chamber’s 50th anniversary celebrations, involving more than 200 businesses at a Civic Reception in Paisley Town Hall, also warranted significant mention as well as the record number of businesses who entered the organisation’s annual ROCCO awards, sponsored by the University of the West of Scotland, which take place on Friday, November 14.