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However, as the sun rose over John O'Groats and Lands' End this morning, we were still one nation. The politicians, pundits and press will now spend some time weighing up the winners and losers of this historic vote.
However, for freelancers and contractors, there were mixed reactions, but generally tinged with a small sigh of relief.
One group who would have been watching with a closer interest than most would be the oil and gas contractors in Aberdeen.
Optionis - good news
Contractor services provider, Optionis, saw the rejection of independence by Scottish voters as good news for contractors across the UK.
Derek Kelly, managing director at Optionis, said: “I think contractors and freelancers will breathe a collective sigh of relief following this morning’s result.
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“Had the people of Scotland voted for independence, we would have today been bracing ourselves for years of uncertainty as politicians thrashed out a ‘divorce’ settlement.
“Prior to the poll, there were suggestions in some quarters that a ‘yes’ vote would boost demand for IT contractors due to the creation of new government bodies and systems north of the border.
“However, in my view any short-term boost would have been far outweighed by the long-term damage to Scotland’s economy and key industries, such as financial services and North Sea oil and gas.
“As someone who grew up in Edinburgh, I have followed the independence debate very closely. I am pleased that the people of Scotland resisted Alex Salmond’s alluring but misleading rhetoric, choosing instead to vote rationally.”
IPSE - better environment
Trade group, the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE) used the opportunity of Scotland saying 'no' to call on politicians to say 'yes' to self-employment.
Simon McVicker, Director of Policy and External Affairs at IPSE, said: “The political engagement and the subsequent huge turnout in the Scottish Independence Referendum was inspiring to all of us who watched. We hope now that Scotland gets its new settlement and is able to proceed as a truly innovative and entrepreneurial country.
“Representing those who choose to go it alone in business means we understand more than most why it is so important to people that they have control of their own destiny. We also understand the value of working with others and the importance strong ties with key partners are to prosperity and success.
“The manifesto we launched last week contains a host of measures designed to help Government unlock the staggering potential of Britain’s self-employed. These measures are just as applicable to the Government in Edinburgh as to the one in Westminster, we will embark in dialogue with both.
“Policy makers in Holyrood and Westminster should take this opportunity to build a better environment for the growing number of self-employed people working across the UK. Their importance to the economy has never been greater than it is today.”
giant - Change
Both businesses and contractors could still be affected as a result of the No vote to Scottish Independence, according to giant group. The umbrella employment specialist says that some aspects of contractor life may still be altered even though Scotland remains part of the Union.
Many companies had threatened to relocate if Scotland was to become and there still could be changes that affect both businesses and contractors. While sterling is likely to remain the Scottish currency, it’s expected that the SNP will look to negotiate a number of factors as a result of not securing independence.
Matthew Brown, managing director of giant group said: “While much of the concern over potential changes to currencies and taxation rates has been allayed, there does remain some doubt over how Scotland will interact with the rest of the UK in terms of public spending.
"It will take some time before these issues are fully clarified and we can reassure our contractor base that they will be warned well in advance should there be any changes that affect them."
FPB - relief
The Forum of Private Business
Phil Orford MBE, Chief Executive of the Forum, said: “The fact that Scotland’s business owners and leaders spoke out on both sides of the debate highlighted the difficulty faced by many employers and employees when deciding on which way to vote.
“Many of our members, and other small businesses owners, will be relieved with the outcome, given the uncertainty for business which has been created throughout the campaign, which would have surely continued in the event of a yes vote. Others will be frustrated having seen business opportunities in an independent Scotland.
“For all business owners, regardless of the way they voted, it is now vital that they focus on growing their businesses over the coming years with a relative platform of stability. The Forum of Private Business will ensure their voice is heard by Scotland’s leaders to help positively influence the use of additional powers that Westminster has already promised to grant them.”
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Susie Hughes © Shout99 2014
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