Business and Better Regulation Directorate

What we do

We support constructive, balanced and productive partnerships between the Scottish Government and the business community in Scotland.

We are responsible for:

working cross-portfolios to drive a collective approach to regulatory improvement and adherence of the principles of Better Regulation
supporting development of Scottish Government policy proposals that take account of business views where there may be a direct or indirect impact on business, investment or economic growth
oversight of the Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) process, template and guidance
secretariat support for the independent advisory Regulatory Review Group (RRG) and the Scottish Regulators’ Forum
engagement on Better Regulation with the UK and Welsh Governments, and the Northern Ireland Executive
oversight of the Late Payments Common Framework, and liaison with the UK Office of the Small Business Commissioner
leading the Scottish Government’s relationships with Scotland’s main business organisations and providing secretariat support for both the Scottish Business Forum and the Scottish Business Growth Group, which together help shape policy and support for business
managing the Convention of the Highlands and Islands and the Convention of the South of Scotland and working with Scottish Parliament and partners to support Business in the Parliament
communicating with business and economy stakeholders about Scottish Government policies
working across portfolios to develop DGE-led policy proposals/options for Ministers to promote economic growth in the visitor economy
working with public, private and third-sector partners to deliver the industry-led tourism strategy 'Scotland Outlook 2030: Responsible Tourism for a Sustainable Future' and the industry-led retail strategy Getting the Right Change – A Retail Strategy for Scotland
supporting the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Leadership Group (ILG) and provide Secretariat support to the Retail Industry Leadership Group (ILG) and its working groups
working to bring influential business events to Scotland through Visit Scotland Business Events
delivery of our pipeline of Major Events, including Orkney Island Games 2025 (now delivered) and the Commonwealth Games 2026
support and deliver Major Events which Ministers are publicly committed – Tour De France Grand Depart 2027 and the UEFA European Champions in 2028
provide grant support to golfing events – includes major annual events such as the Genesis Scottish Open golf tournament and the R&A’s major championships, promoting Scotland as a destination and as the home of golf
preparation of bids for Major Events such as the 2035 Women’s World Cup and World Rally Championship