CBI Scotland said yesterday it drew "strong encouragement" from the sincerity of the new Scottish Executive's pro-business intentions, judging from the wording of the job description of the SNP's chief economic minister, John Swinney.
Among the foremost responsibilities of the newly announced Scottish Cabinet, Swinney, who was unveiled as cabinet secretary for finance and sustainable growth, is tasked with overseeing "deregulation".
This is seen as a highly significant departure from the widely-used euphemism of "better regulation" employed by Labour administrations in London and Edinburgh.

A spokesman for CBI Scotland said yesterday: "If this change in language is an early indication that the new administration is going to get a grip on the regulatory burden facing business then that is very welcome, and CBI Scotland looks forward to working with them to deliver on this.
"Along with the SNP's manifesto pledge to reduce the rates burden on small business, we very much welcome the thrust of the new minister's agenda, and cutting red tape is absolutely crucial."
Along with other business organisations, CBI Scotland has generally been critical or suspicious of the SNP's pro-business claims, not least because of the party's parliamentary support for the inclusion of third party right of appeal in proposed new planning legislation.

The CBI and others see the stance on the clause as a major litmus test of a party's business-friendliness.
A spokesman for the Scottish Executive said yesterday: "As the new administration made clear in its manifesto, we are determined to minimise the burdens on business.
"This will include looking at a range of measures to reduce the burden of bureaucracy and ensure regulations are not gold-plated.

Over the coming weeks and months, the new Scottish government will work with business to take these commitments forward.
"By doing so we will help boost the competitiveness of Scottish businesses, improve productivity and speed up economic growth.