Sir Tom Hunter has called for a national economic “reset”, unveiling a manifesto he claims could inject over £20 billion into Scotland’s economy and create more than 100,000 jobs within five years.

Published by the Scottish billionaire’s philanthropic vehicle, The Hunter Foundation, the Entrepreneurs Manifesto for Scotland lays out a bold programme for growth, including plans to reform business rates and taxes, overhaul skills development, and provide more support for entrepreneurs.  

Criticising the government’s current approach, the report alleges “serious flaws” in how businesses and not‑for‑profits are supported north of the border, pointing to issues like restrictive immigration policies that repel talent, and uneven support across regions.

As solutions, the manifesto recommends a review of support schemes to deliver better returns for taxpayers, a shake‑up of government contracting to back Scottish firms, and a sharper focus on scaling businesses within Scotland’s economic development agencies.

The paper also calls for a new digital front door for businesses to provide easy-to-access information on public sector grants and loans in one place, as well as a “passport” scheme for high-growth firms to ease them through various stages of development.

Making special mention of the maze of red tape businesses face, the Hunter Foundation goes on to say it’s time for a “bonfire of the quangos”, arguing for a new Red Tape Tsar that could slash the number of quasi‑autonomous public agencies in Scotland. 

According to the study, this would not only strip away major barriers to growth for Scottish firms but also deliver £4.4 billion in savings.

The report claims that such solutions could deliver a 50% increase in the number of Scottish scale-ups over five years, potentially adding as much as £18 billion to the economy as well as thousands of jobs.

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Following the tepid response to last week’s Scottish budget announcement, the Hunter Foundation said the measures laid out in the manifesto could unlock billions in private investment, raise productivity and, crucially, increase the tax revenues that fund public services the SNP has committed to.

“Scotland has the talent and the ambition to be a high-growth nation once again, but we’ve made it harder than it needs to be for businesses to invest, expand and recruit,” said Sir Tom Hunter.

“Entrepreneurs aren’t asking for special treatment. We’re asking for a serious partnership focused on outcomes to bring about more opportunity, homes, investment, and more funding for public services.

“Our ask of the Scottish Government, all political parties, policy makers and Local Authorities is simple – work with the people who start and grow companies, and focus relentlessly on delivery. If we do that, Scotland can not only compete on the big stage, but prosper.”