STEWART NICOL: "Addressing this energy cost crisis has to be the number one item in the inbox of the new Prime Minister."
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None of us can fail to be deeply concerned by the energy cost tsunami which is set to impact every business; organisation; charity; social enterprise, family and individual.
All of us based and living in the Highlands and Islands recognise that we will be hit hardest and disproportionately, given our location.
The impact on every domestic consumer has rightly been hitting the headlines as the impact of the changes brought about by the regulator are being worked through.
However, the impact of more devastating energy increases on business has not.
Unlike all of us who are domestic energy consumers, businesses have no form of protection and are absolutely exposed to the extremes and exceptional volatility in the current energy market.
Even businesses of significant scale, who thought they may have been able to influence, are being faced with unbelievable increases in their energy costs. In the midst of what can only be described as extreme turmoil, the energy costs being quoted, when any price is given, defy comprehension. Adjectives have long since become inadequate.
Addressing this energy cost crisis has to be the number one item in the inbox of the new Prime Minister.
It will require immediate attention, bold action, and leadership which is creative and resolute; all traits that have perhaps not been to the fore of late in too many of our political leaders at Westminster and Holyrood.
The task is enormous and will not be easily resolved, and the legacy of this situation will be felt in our fiscal and monetary policy regimes for decades, if not generations. But it has to be urgently addressed.
And all of us who lead organisations here also have our part to play in showing innovation, collaboration and leadership which is creative and resolute.
Inverness Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to connecting and representing businesses across the Highlands to support their growth. Just as during the length of the global pandemic we, with the support of our networks at Scottish and British chambers of commerce, will do all that we can to support others.
