Amid the turbulent warnings of what Brexit might mean for Scotland’s economic wellbeing, the tech sector is beginning to wake up to the new reality of being outside the EU.
Whether that is temporary (and Scottish independence does eventually happen), or permanent, and we throw our lot in with the rest of the UK, the industry, like any other, needs certainty.
Among many calling for calm is Polly Purvis, CEO of ScotlandIS, the trade tech body, who tells FutureScot: “Our view is that stabilising financial and other trading markets has to be the immediate priority to give our members and other businesses some certainty over the next few months.”
Although there will be considerable unease among tech businesses – many of whom, particularly in Edinburgh, rely on workers from EU countries, accountancy giant Deloitte has given some cause for optimism.
According to Steve Williams – Practice Senior Partner, Scotland and Northern Ireland with Deloitte Scotland – Scotland is well-placed to weather the economic storms that face businesses across the country in the coming days, weeks, months, and possibly even years.
He said: “Scotland, and the UK as a whole, is well positioned to deal with the outcome
of the referendum. Our economy remains competitive, innovative and highly-skilled, whether it is in Europe or out. Scotland continues to be an excellent place to do business, with all the necessary attributes to compete and succeed in the global economy.”
