Engineering news
The Scottish electorate's rejection of independence has been greeted with a sigh of relief from manufacturers and engineering firms.
With the results in from all 32 council areas, the 'No' vote won with 2,001,926 votes (54%) over 1,617,989 (46%) for the 'Yes' vote.
Terry Scuoler, chief executive of EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, said: “The decision of the Scottish people is nothing short of a relief and good news for the rest of the UK. I also think it’s a victory for common sense and a recognition of the economic realities of the world in which we live.
"Business will be relieved that the uncertainty is now over and can get on with the day job of generating growth and creating jobs. Government must act on its promises and quickly start to implement the devolution proposals that have been put forward and rebuild trust and confidence.”
Bryan Buchan, chief executive of Scottish Engineering, said the organisation was delighted to put the uncertainty of the last two years behind it and to resume its focus on business.
“There has undoubtedly been some 'marking time' on investment by the larger organisations and we would anticipate that projects will now move forward, as will business growth, given the future is now more assured, and we have an open field for the hugely important UK market," Buchan added.
John Cridland, CBI director-general, called the vote a “momentous day for our United Kingdom”. He said: “This result will be greeted by a collective sigh of relief across the business community. Business has always believed that the Union is best for creating jobs, raising growth and improving living standards, and welcomes that the people of Scotland want to play an integral role in this internationally successful partnership.
“As the debate now moves to the question of further devolution, it is important that it does not undermine the strength of the single internal market and it is in the best interests of citizens living in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as those in Scotland.”
The business organisations acknowledged that the independence debate has stirred up feelings and left scars which would take time to heal, but called on politicians, businesses and the people to unite and move forwards.