Scotland's Economy

  • Meeting with Chief Secretary to the Treasury

    14th October 2021 by

    “When I meet the Chief Secretary to the Treasury Simon Clarke today I will stress the need for a wide ranging review of Scotland’s devolved fiscal arrangements. We have faced unprecedented economic and fiscal upheaval as a consequence of the pandemic and Brexit.  As a result, Scotland’s Fiscal Framework has been thoroughly tested and, in...

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  • Assurances sought on National Insurance increase

    10th September 2021 by

    The UK Government’s decision to implement a 1.25% increase in National Insurance contributions to fund the NHS and social care in England has raised a number of questions. In an attempt to gain more clarity, and seek assurances on consequential funding Scotland, I have written to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury Steve Barclay. A...

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  • Consultation closes on national economic transformation strategy

    6th September 2021 by

    We are absolutely committed to maximising Scotland’s economic potential and we want to work with others to build an economy for everyone. To help us deliver greater, greener and fairer prosperity we are working to deliver a new 10 year National Strategy for Economic Transformation. As part of that work extensive engagement is currently taking...

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  • An update on Covid baseline measures for business

    27th August 2021 by

    Covid baseline measures for business

    Since the start of the pandemic, businesses have made huge changes and sacrifices to protect public health. I’m incredibly grateful to the business community and would like to thank everyone who has spent time and effort to make their businesses as safe as possible for customers and staff. Your contribution has been vital in helping...

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  • Scotland’s economy outperforms recovery predictions

    26th August 2021 by

    I warmly welcome the Scottish Fiscal Commission’s latest official forecasts which suggest Scotland’s economy is recovering from COVID-19 much faster than anticipated. The predicted return of economic activity to pre-pandemic levels in the first half of 2022, almost two years of ahead of the SFC’s previous forecast, is a tribute to the innovation and adaptability...

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  • Open letter to members of the construction and manufacturing sectors

    28th July 2021 by

    As you will be aware construction materials from plasterboard to timber, steel to insulation, are in short supply because of a combination of global factors in addition to EU Exit and COVID 19. This is having a significant impact as some businesses are unable to source the construction materials they need at a stable price....

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  • Working to deliver economic transformation

    9th July 2021 by

    It is impossible to overstate the devastating impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on every aspect of our lives – the pandemic has shaken our society and economy to their core. And whilst our collective efforts, in tandem with the success of the vaccination programme, have been instrumental in suppressing the virus, our fight to...

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  • Supporting the manufacturing sector

    7th July 2021 by

    The construction industry touches every part of Scotland’s economy and, with its 143,000 jobs and turnover of around £19 billion per annum, is vital to our future prosperity. As a result of a global manufacturing slowdown some businesses are being affected and unable to source the construction materials they need. That is why we have...

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  • Response to latest trade statistics

    7th July 2021 by

    The latest HMRC Regional Trade Statistics further demonstrate the combined impact of COVID-19 and Brexit on Scotland’s trade. However, I am pleased to see that while exports from Scotland’s onshore economy are down 5% over the past year, this compares favourably with a reduction across the rest of the UK of 14%, demonstrating the work done...

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  • Making Scotland a world class tech hub

    29th June 2021 by

    The first meeting has taken place of the Scottish Technology Ecosystem Review Advisory Board. The Board brings together Scotland’s top entrepreneurs and digital leaders to advance the recommendations of the Scottish Technology Ecosystem Review, supporting efforts to accelerate Scotland’s development as world class technology hub. The Board members are: Kate Forbes (Co-chair) – Kate is...

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