Scottish independence 'bad for business'

The majority of business leaders believe Scottish independence would hurt companies based in Scotland, a new poll shows.

A survey by Ipsos MORI of Scotland’s senior business community found 72% thought independence would have a negative effect compared to just 13% that believed there would be a benefit.

More than half (56%) said separation would worsen their company’s prospects compared to only one in ten who thought it would improve their business outlook. A quarter said it was too early to say.

Three out of four businesses have done little or no contingency planning in case Scots vote ‘yes’ in the 2014 referendum, compared to only 23 per cent who have started considering the impact of separation.