The Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA) accepts the result of the UK General Election and calls for Brexit process to be conducted in a way that allows businesses to operate with minimum disruption.

SWA chief executive Colin Smith said: “As a politically-neutral organisation we call on Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Government to put business first and push for a frictionless trade deal after Brexit with minimum tariffs or trade barriers.

“Following a long period of political uncertainty, we want to see our members and the wider wholesale sector invest for the future and prioritise long-term growth. It is crucial that the Government works with our industry – our members, many of them independent businesses, support other independent businesses, public services and provide a lifeline to remote and island areas.

“We urge the Government to provide a level playing field that allows our members to grow, supports local workforces and communities, and helps them work in partnership with customers and suppliers to create a healthy wholesale sector with a long-term future.”

Smith urged the UK Government to take on board the implications of National Living Wage increases while calling for further measures to tackle alcohol duty fraud and sugar tax evasion. He also called on the Government to review its manifesto pledge on introducing a deposit return scheme (DRS).

He added: “SWA asks the Government to quickly review its manifesto pledge on introducing a deposit return scheme and implement it as part of a UK wide-scheme aligned with that of the Scottish Government’s DRS proposals.”

Smith said the SWA would continue to work closely with the Scottish Government and congratulated First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on the SNP’s landslide victory in Scotland.