Whilst politicians have spent the last month stumping for votes, business has cast a sharp eye over what the promises being made will mean for the economy. To reference filmmaker Sergio Leone, there has been the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Let's start with the positives. The parties have shown a consensus that more needs done to tackle shoplifting. Most signal a desire to reduce the income tax burden.

There is broad support too for improving business rates. To their credit SNP Ministers recognised shops pay a disproportionate amount and introduced a new retail hospitality and leisure relief.

This is hugely positive but still considerably less generous than the equivalent discount on offer to English counterparts. That needs rectified otherwise investment – which keeps stores attractive and minimises empty units on high streets – could be lost.  

Scottish shoppers slam the brakes on spending in March

Some parties are proposing worrying new taxes on parts of retail. They need to understand that the cost of running shops is ultimately borne by customers.

The most dotty and disturbing suggestion from a big party is that Scottish........

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