ICAS calls for ‘radical simplicity’ to unlock Scotland's economic potential

MEDIA STATEMENT - ICAS has urged government to embrace ‘radical simplicity’ in economic policymaking, working more closely with enterprise to shape practical, long-term solutions that deliver lasting growth.

ICAS CEO Gail Boag made the call at the Enterprise Forum’s Scottish Business Reception for Members of the Scottish Parliament, held at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh last night [Tuesday 27 October]. In her opening remarks, she said Scotland had the ambition, talent and enterprise to prosper. Greater confidence was needed, she added, to turn those strengths into sustained economic progress.

Boag described ‘radical simplicity’ as an alternative to overly complex, short-term policymaking. She said it would build confidence by involving businesses earlier in policy development, testing proposals against practical experience, and focusing on outcomes that can be fully funded and measured.

The event’s keynote speaker, Stephen Flynn MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, was presented with a dossier of positions from Scottish businesses by Boag. The dossier, from the 12 official partners of the event, offered different perspectives but commonly held that a strong and sustainable economy must be built on relationships, evidence and trust. 

A recent ICAS member survey reinforces the call: 63% of respondents ranked tax simplification and certainty among the government’s top priorities for growth, while just 3% supported higher taxes on businesses or employers. The findings underline the need for a clear, predictable approach that supports confidence and investment.

Addressing attendees at the event, Gail Boag, ICAS CEO, said:

“Business and government share the same fundamental goals: sustainable growth, good jobs and strong public services. We will make greater progress if we work together earlier, more openly and with greater trust.

“That means clarity rather than complexity, long-term thinking rather than short-term uncertainty, and policies tested against the experience of the people and organisations expected to deliver them. In a complicated world, simplicity itself can be radical. By working together and accounting for what matters, we can turn Scotland’s ambition into lasting prosperity.”

Boag also highlighted the contribution of Chartered Accountants (CAs) working across businesses, public services and communities. ICAS members help organisations assess investment, understand performance, account for public money and make credible economic decisions.

ICAS currently has more than 5,000 students in training, while the ICAS Foundation has supported more than 400 young people from lower-income backgrounds into careers in finance and accounting. Boag said this skills development was vital to inclusive growth and stands as an example of how to build economic confidence.