Scotland's Economy

This week: 31/5/19

May 31, 2019 by charlottebarbour No Comments | Category Economy, Exports

Advancing Manufacturing Challenge Fund

Manufacturing businesses will be able to improve their productivity and upskill their workforce with support from a £14 million fund.

The Advancing Manufacturing Challenge Fund will support businesses develop their manufacturing capabilities by inviteing public bodies, academic organisations and charities to enhance their existing equipment and training services.

To launch the first funding call, Economy Secretary Derek Mackay visited Optos in Fife, a leading medical technology company that designs, develops and manufactures ultra-widefield retinal imaging devices.

Read more about the Advanced Manufacturing Challenge Fund

Digital Start Fund

Public Finance and Digital Economy Minister Kate Forbes launched a £1million Digital Start Fund to help unemployed people and people on low incomes build their digital skills.

Export Growth Plan debate

Trade Minister Ivan McKee led a debate in Scottish parliament on ‘A Trading Nation’, the Scottish Government’s plan for growing Scotland’s exports.

Read more about the Export Growth Plan

Medium Term Financial Strategy

Improving wellbeing, driving inclusive growth, tackling child poverty and combating climate change will be key Scottish Government spending priorities for the coming years, Finance Secretary Derek Mackay has said.

Speaking as he published the Medium-Term Financial Strategy, Mr Mackay outlined the impact that UK austerity is having on public finances, saying:

“Irrespective of the lack of clarity from the UK Government on its spending review, we value sustainable public finances and plan to undertake a review of resource spending beyond 2020-21. This will be driven by our commitment to improve national wellbeing, create a sustainable and inclusive economy, tackle child poverty and recognise our climate change priorities.

“While we recognise that we will not be able to do all that we want to do – or all that others will want us to do – this strategy sets out how we will prioritise future resource spending on areas that will have the biggest impact.”

Read more about the Medium Term Financial Strategy.

Cabinet Secretary talks Infrastructure Commission

Infrastructure investment plays a critical role in creating an inclusive, sustainable economy. In December, Infrastructure Secretary Michael Matheson established the Infrastructure Commission for Scotland.

The commission will provide independent advice on the right vision, ambition and priorities for a 30-year strategy for infrastructure in Scotland to meet our future economic growth and societal needs.

Read more about the Infrastructure Commission

Fair Start Scotland statistics

Scotland’s first fully devolved employment support service has been accessed by more than 10,000 people in its first year. Fair Start Scotland, which launched in April 2018, encourages people to access employment support on a voluntary basis.

Read more about the Fair Start Scotland statistics

Dalry bypass opens to traffic

The new A737 Dalry Bypass has opened to traffic this week, some seven months ahead of schedule.

The bypass project which was expected to be completed this winter has supported 130 jobs during the height of construction and will now deliver significant benefits for road users and the local community alike.

Read more about the opening of the Dalry bypass

Tags: exportgrowth, exportgrowthplan, manufacturing, scottishexports, scottishmanufacturing

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