The Scottish Parliament Business Exchange (SPBE) was a charity in Scotland created to develop a greater understanding between the business world and Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs). Set up in 2001, it closed in April 2016. The SPBE was established in June 2001, and was promoted as an educational exchange allowing members of the Scottish Parliament to learn more about all kinds of businesses. From its earliest days, there was debate about its activities and funding. It was criticised by transparency campaigners, including SNP MSP Tricia Marwick, who believed its fee-based system created preferential access to Holyrood. Its activities and reporting systems were repeatedly discussed by the Parliament's Standards Committee; in 2002 it was condemned for failing to "provide sufficient transparency or accountability." In November 2003 the Committee was "unconvinced" there were "adequate safeguards in place" to ensure the SPBE's commitment of being "non-lobbying". The SPBE was also criticised after a Labour MSP who took part in one of the schemes was asked to sign a confidentiality agreement by a participating company (Pfizer). More information...
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