New cross-sector group led by ScottishPower’s Hazel Gulliver aims to drive infrastructure reform and support Scotland’s net zero ambitions
GLASGOW — The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Scotland has established a new Infrastructure Working Group, uniting businesses across sectors to push forward the infrastructure reforms vital to Scotland’s economic resilience and environmental goals.
The group convened for the first time earlier this month, marking a coordinated effort to influence policy amid key government initiatives such as the UK Planning & Infrastructure Bill and Scotland’s Programme for Government, both focused on expediting infrastructure development.
Leadership with Energy Sector Expertise
Hazel Gulliver, Director of Engagement at ScottishPower, has been appointed Chair of the group, bringing deep expertise from the energy sector at a pivotal moment for Scotland’s transition to net zero.
“This working group brings together a vast range of infrastructure expertise across multiple sectors,” Gulliver said. “From electricity transmission and renewable generation to electric vehicle infrastructure and smart home decarbonisation, we aim to present a whole-system view that accelerates Scotland’s decarbonisation journey.”
Her leadership signals a strong emphasis on aligning Scotland’s infrastructure priorities with sustainability and innovation, complementing ongoing UK-level initiatives like the 10-year National Infrastructure Strategy.
A Unified Business Voice
Michelle Ferguson, Director of CBI Scotland, highlighted the group’s role as a catalyst for urgent investment and policy reform:
“With bold urgent action needed to unlock investment and deliver the infrastructure our economy depends on, CBI Scotland’s new Infrastructure Working Group will bring together businesses from different sectors to shape and inform policy in this area.”
The group’s members span construction, finance, transport, and energy, reflecting the multi-faceted nature of infrastructure challenges facing Scotland.
Tackling Planning Reform and Investment Bottlenecks
Central to the group’s mission is pushing for accelerated reforms in Scotland’s planning system — identified as a critical lever to improve competitiveness and speed project delivery.
The UK’s Planning & Infrastructure Bill currently aims to streamline processes and boost infrastructure build-out, and the Scottish government’s Programme for Government also prioritises planning reforms and investment to support sustainable growth.
CBI Scotland’s Infrastructure Working Group intends to be a key interlocutor between business and policymakers, providing insights and recommendations grounded in real-world expertise.
Building Momentum for Scotland’s Future
As Scotland navigates the twin imperatives of economic recovery and climate action, the group’s establishment marks an important milestone in business collaboration on infrastructure.
Hazel Gulliver emphasised the opportunity for collective impact:
“At a critical time for Scottish infrastructure development, which is a key driver in the country’s future economic prosperity, growth, and transition to net zero, this working group will help us deliver what we need more quickly.”
The group’s work will continue throughout 2025, with expectations that its recommendations will influence both Scottish and UK government infrastructure policy in the coming months.
