John Swinney MSP
Written 56 posts
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Covid Recovery (Previously: Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth; Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Constitution and Economy; Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills)
Employee ownership is a hidden gem for our economy,
4th July 2013
Today we are marking Employee Ownership Day. The Scottish Government has been a long-standing supporter of employee-ownership and its ability to root jobs and growth in localities. Over the last year I have visited a number of employee-owned ventures across Scotland, ranging from Clansman Dynamics who build robotic manufacturing equipment in East Kilbride to seafood…
Scotland leads the way for youth employment
13th June 2013
Yesterday’s job figures have again highlighted a very Scottish success story. For the seventh month in a row we have seen a year on year drop in youth unemployment in Scotland, with the rate now down to 15.2 per cent. That’s over six percentage points lower than a year ago – and down from almost…
Big in Japan – the 200 year old Mack
10th May 2013
Almost 200 years on since Scotsman Charles Macintosh invented the process of rubberising cotton, his namesake coat is still one of Scotland’s best known products. In fact, it’s not only the Scots who have continued their love affair with the ‘mack’. Around the world the Mackintosh raincoat has become a major player in the luxury…
Scotland's strong financial foundations
6th March 2013
One of the most commonly asked questions in the debate over Scotland’s future is about our economy, whether we can afford to be independent and what it means for our economic future. Over the coming months we will be answering those questions, setting out Scotland’s finances as they are, the economic opportunities ahead of us…
Modern Apprentices
31st January 2013
We want Scotland to be recognised as the best country in the world in which to do business. Our workforce – our people – is perhaps our greatest asset and especially our young people. The Modern Apprenticeship scheme is good news for business and for young people. It has helped many thousands of people…
A budget for the economy, and for fairness
22nd January 2013
Today saw the Scottish Government’s budget bill debated in Parliament – a budget for the economy, and for fairness. Scotland continues to face significant challenges as a result of global economic conditions and the United Kingdom Government’s approach to the public finances. Those challenges are brought into sharp focus by the continuing uncertainty in the…
Strengthening Scotland’s creativity: launch of Institute of Design Innovation
16th January 2013
Thanks to the work of generations of talented, enterprising Scots, Scotland has established an international reputation as being an innovative and creative nation. The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) is arguably one of our greatest hubs of creativity and today I helped to launch its new Institute of Design Innovation, which focuses on encouraging businesses…
Chancellor’s statement ‘halfway to common sense’
6th December 2012
After two and a half years in office the Chancellor has finally heeded Scotland’s calls to boost capital spending and allocated £330 million of new spending to Scotland over the next two years. The Chancellor’s recognition that he needs to invest is welcome, but he has only come halfway to a common sense solution.
Stimulating entrepreneurial culture and innovation
28th November 2012
Earlier this week I wrote about howScotland’s entrepreneurial spirit contributes to economic growth. This evening I will meet with meeting Co-operative Development Scotland and learning more about how employee ownership can stimulate entrepreneurial culture, innovation and growth.
Business rates consultation
27th November 2012
Scottish businesses already operate in the most competitive business environment in the UK thanks to the improvements we have made to the current rates system and to ensure Scotland maintains this competitive advantage, we have today launched a consultation on business rates.