paulobrien
Written 19 posts
EU taking more than half of Scotland’s exports
6th December 2018
The publication of HMRC’s Regional Trade Statistics this morning shows the importance of the EU market to Scotland. Speaking from Hamburg, where he is discussing further growth in Scotland’s trade with Europe, Trade Minister Ivan McKee, said: “These are very encouraging figures. The value of Scotland’s annual goods exports increased by 6 per cent to…
New approach to employability services
5th December 2018
A new partnership approach to develop employability support which is more flexible, joined-up and responsive to the needs of people who are looking to find work, and to stay in work, has been launched. Working with local authorities, the joined up approach follows the publication of a review of employability services, No One Left Behind:…
Joint statement by the Scottish Government and STUC on the UK Government’s budget
31st October 2018
Following a bi-annual meeting between the Scottish Government and STUC, the two organisations have released the following statement on the UK Government’s Budget. “We stand together in our opposition to the UK Government’s continued austerity and do not believe that it is appropriate to give tax cuts for the richest in society, whilst cutting the…
This week 26/10/18
26th October 2018
Scottish Government pledges £200 million investment to Tay Cities Deal The Scottish Government is prepared to invest £200 million to deliver inclusive economic growth across the Tay Cities region– and it has asked the UK Government to match its pledge. Announcing the commitment ahead of the UK Government Budget next week, Mr Matheson said: “Scotland’s…
This week 19/10/18
19th October 2018
Attracting inward investors Opportunities to invest in nine projects worth more than £2 billion to Scotland’s economy have been announced by Economy Secretary Derek Mackay. The refreshed Invest in Scotland prospectus is seeking to secure international investment in a mixture of public and private sector projects across Scotland. Projects highlighted include the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation…
Two weeks of talking up Scotland in Europe
19th October 2018
Minister for Trade, Investment and Innovation, Ivan McKee, usually visits innovative businesses all over Scotland as part of his role. However, over the last couple of weeks he’s been talking up Scotland to other countries in Europe. Last week he started in London for a series of meetings including discussions with Nesta, a global innovation…
Delivering world class infrastructure for Scotland
19th October 2018
When the First Minister announced a reshuffle of her Cabinet in the summer I was honoured to take on the role of Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity. The creation of this portfolio highlights the importance we as a Government place on investment in infrastructure as a key driver of economic growth. As the…
This Week 12/10/18
12th October 2018
Ensuring the UK Budget delivers for Scotland Ahead of the UK Budget on the 29th of October, Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Economy and Fair Work, Derek Mackay wrote to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to outline the key issues the Scottish Government wishes to see included in the Budget. Austerity and Brexit; Welfare Reform; Funding…
This week – 5/10/18
5th October 2018
Scottish Budget date The 2019-20 Scottish Budget will be presented to the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday 12th December. The Finance Secretary will outline spending plans for 2019-20 – delivering a budget that will grow our already strong economy and labour market and protect our vital public services, including education and the NHS. Shetland released from…