WITH the 2017 Budget just weeks away, The Herald has announced that their annual free budget breakfast briefing for readers is back.

The free briefing on March 9, to be held at 200 St Vincent Street in Glasgow, gives attendees the chance to discuss and question the implications for the UK economy the morning after Phillip Hammond presents his Budget.

A group of expert panellists, chaired by political commentator Iain Macwhirter, will provide a summary of the main issues raised by the Chancellors latest plan.

Already confirmed to join the panel are Fraser Campbell, partner at accountancy firm Campbell Dallas, Peter Smyth, head of public affairs at Indigo, Grant Johnston, Graham Murray, Partner at Wright Johnston and Mackenzie LLP and Professor Ronald McDonald from the Adam Smith Chair of Political Economy, University of Glasgow Adam Smith Business School.

Peter Smyth, head of public affairs, Indigo said “With the triggering of Brexit negotiations just around the corner, plus a host of further political and economic uncertainties lined up both at home and abroad, it is more important than ever for businesses in Scotland to keep on top of major fiscal events like the Budget and understand the impact they will have. That’s why we’re looking forward to joining a range of experts to give business leaders informed insights and gain a clearer picture of what the 2017 statement will mean for Scotland.”

Fraser Campbell, partner and head of family businesses at accountant Campbell Dallas, said, “We are delighted, once again to support The Herald’s Budget Briefing event and look forward to discussing the key highlights from the Chancellor’s forthcoming budget with a local business audience to help provide the most relevant and up to date advice”.

Professor John Finch, head of school, University of Glasgow, Adam Smith Business School said: “The University of Glasgow Adam Smith Business School is delighted to be supporting the Herald Budget Briefing for a third year. The briefing provides an informed forum in which to explore the consequences of critical budget decisions, assessing the impact for economic and business development, especially for Scotland. Professor Ronald MacDonald, from The Adam Smith Business School, is a world-leading authority on fiscal policy and macroeconomics, and is sure to make lively and authoritative contributions.”

Liam Entwistle, managing partner at Scottish independent law firm, Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie said “We have not seen a more uncertain time both economically and politically, perhaps in a generation. It is all the more important that people in business understand what any change means for them. The Herald’s Budget briefing is where they can hear an expert panel tell them exactly what the budget is saying, and gives them a chance to speak out.”

To reserve your place on the website, please visit https://newsquestscotlandevents.com/budget.

For more information, please contact Lynsay Wong on 0141 302 6082 or email Lynsay.wong@heraldandtimes.co.uk.