Scotland's Economy

Shaping the Scottish National Investment Bank

February 11, 2019 by Derek Mackay MSP No Comments | Category Business, Economy, Finance, Investment

Today we publish the analysis of responses to the public consultation on the Scottish National Investment Bank Bill which ran from September to October last year. This is the first of many milestones for the Bank in 2019 as we make significant progress towards the Bank being operational in 2020, investing in businesses and communities across Scotland.

This Government is clear that we want to be more ambitious for Scotland and we are committed to growing the economy in a sustainable and inclusive way. Scotland has huge economic potential and we are determined to work with business to unlock it.

The Bank will support ambitious companies to grow through every stage of their investment lifecycle and provide financing for important infrastructure projects. By aligning its aims and objectives with Scotland’s Economic Strategy, the Bank will help transform and grow Scotland’s economy.

The consultation focused on the Bank’s objectives, purpose and governance, as well as its relationship with Ministers and stakeholders. We have used the responses to help shape the draft Scottish National Investment Bank Bill, which I will introduce to the Scottish Parliament in late February 2019, as well as the Bank’s Articles of Association.

The consultation received 1,443 responses and I would like to thank the organisations and individuals who took the time to share their views. This was augmented by 9 stakeholder workshops and 12 bilateral meetings. We have been clear from the start that the Scottish National Investment Bank should be shaped by the views of people and businesses across Scotland and we value that participation.

Analysis of those responses shows strong support for the Bank’s proposed objectives and purpose. This includes the opportunity to support and grow Scotland’s economy, target investment towards Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and adopt an ethical approach.

The consultation demonstrated strong support for the mission-orientated approach which focuses strategic public sector investment to catalyse economic activity, spark innovation, help solve societal issues and lay the foundations for future economic growth. We also received overwhelming support for a possible early mission around helping to move Scotland towards a low carbon economy.

There is broad agreement on how we see the Bank being governed, and its Board arrangements – particularly that it should be operationally and administratively independent of government.

Finally, we received a range of views on the method and level of capitalisation of the Bank and remuneration policy – all of which will be considered carefully as we progress with our ambitious plans.

Responses to the consultation and continued engagement with stakeholders has been key in shaping the upcoming Bill and we will continue to listen to views and opinions as we further develop proposals.

To help facilitate this, we are in the process of setting up a Stakeholder Working Group. The group will be made up of representatives from a wide range of public and private sector organisations as well as  individuals whose experience and expertise will play a vital role in discussing, considering and informing the development of the Bank. I am certain that this will help us create an institution with the right values, vision and purpose to transform our economy.

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