THE new leader of the Institute of Directors Scotland has declared businesses are facing unprecedented “confusion and uncertainty” as October 31 approaches with still no sign of a Brexit deal being reached, writes Scott Wright.

Malcolm Cannon’s comments came on his first day in post since joining the organisation from Cricket Scotland.

Mr Cannon, who succeeded David Watt, said: “With only 45 days until the Brexit deadline, businesses have never faced such confusion and uncertainty – and this is without the ongoing discussions currently taking place in Westminster. Having been involved with some of Scotland’s and the UK’s best-known businesses over the last 20 years, and in my various roles on boards, I can appreciate the struggle being felt by all those in leadership roles in Scotland.”

Mr Cannon has been handed a remit to establish greater autonomy for IoD Scotland and to attract directors and leaders from all sectors. He said: “My priority as national director Scotland is to meet with as many of our members over the length and breadth of the country to understand their concerns and what value I can provide to them post-31 October. I want the IoD in Scotland to be the pre-eminent voice that represents Scotland’s brightest business leaders.”