Almost two-fifths of Scotland’s SMEs believe investing in new infrastructure projects should be the Government’s “greatest priority”.
Research by the quarterly Close Brothers Business Barometer saw 39% of respondents rate big-ticket capital expenditure on energy, transport, waste and water systems as more important than spending on health, education, energy and innovation.
“Advanced transport networks and energy supplies will create efficiencies for businesses, while improved access to superfast broadband will benefit those that trade online immensely,” said regional sales director Angus Armstrong.
More than four in 10 businessmen and women believe modern infrastructure is “vital” for the growth of their firms, the study showed.