But that made some contributions more eye-catching, such as Professor Nathu Puri, founder of Purico, a former Labour donor in the English Midlands, backing Scottish independence as a mechanism for tackling the domination of the South East.
«The London-centricity of Britain’s economy is unsustainable,» he writes. «We must reindustralise the nations and regions outside of the South East of England.
«We must rebalance the British economy by sector and geography to ensure sustainable economic growth.
«Scottish independence will be a major step forward towards that goal in the interests of not just Scots but business and jobs in Wales, Northern Ireland, the Midlands and the north of England.»
Tony Banks, chairman of Business for Scotland, said: «There are now more than 2,500 members of Business for Scotland, from all across Scotland in all sectors, from large PLCs to smaller, family-owned and micro-businesses, which are of course the lifeblood of the economy.
«More and more business people are moving to Yes after looking at the facts and figures. Our members know Scotland’s balance sheet is relatively stronger than the UK’s but we have the potential to be stronger. We know Scotland will thrive as an independent country, because key economic decisions will be made by those who truly understand and care most about our Scotland’s distinctive economic needs, that’s the people who live and work here.»
The roll call of 200-plus company bosses covers some 50,000 employees but it was stressed that they did not speak for their employees.
The letter states: «We are involved in business and entrepreneurship at different levels in Scotland and around the world. We believe independence is in the best interests of Scotland’s economy and its people.
«An independent Scotland will recognise entrepreneurs small and large as the real wealth and job creators of the nation’s economic future.
«It will encourage a culture in which innovation, endeavour and enterprise are nurtured. It will place power in the hands of Scotland’s people to channel the huge resources of our country in the interests of those who live and work here.»
The list in full:
Ian and Thea McMillan, Directors, Chambers McMillan Architects Ltd
John Innes, British Venture Capitalist of the Year and Venture Capital Chief Executive of the Year, former Chief Executive Amor Group
Derek Louden, Financial Director& Company Sector, ITP Solutions Ltd
Professor Sir Donald MacKay, Former Chairman, Scottish Enterprise, founding director of an oil company and a bank and former non-executive director, Malcolm Group
William MacMillan, Director, Firth Plumbing, Heating and Roofing.
