Scotland's Economy

  • Small Business Saturday: small businesses and exports

    1st December 2018 by

    Small Business Saturday gives us the perfect opportunity to encourage small businesses in Scotland to think about how exporting could help them grow and for us to outline the help and support that is available if they want to embark on their export journey. Improving Scotland’s export performance is central to growing Scotland’s economy and...

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  • Increasing Scotland’s trading capabilities

    20th November 2018 by

    The 2018/19 Programme for Government includes a commitment to invest an additional £20million over three years to grow Scotland’s export potential. To support this ambition, I am seeking new members to join Scotland’s Trade Board. Since 2017, the board, which is made up of a wide range of business experts, has championed the internationalisation of...

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  • Strengthening economic links with Ireland

    18th October 2018 by

    Minister for the Digital Economy and Public Finances Kate Forbes will travel to Dublin this week to undertake a series of engagements to strengthen Scotland’s economic links with Ireland. The Scottish and Irish Governments have been working towards creating greater economic links for some time and the Minister’s visit highlights our ambition to collaborate with...

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  • This week – 07/09/18

    6th September 2018 by

    Recess is over, Parliament is back for a new term and this week, we outlined our Programme for Government 2018/19.  Major investment in infrastructure, exports and legislation to underpin a Scottish National Investment Bank were at the forefront as the First Minister outlined our priorities for the year ahead. Read the highlights below: Infrastructure The PFG has a strong emphasis on boosting...

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  • #CheersToRabbie

    21st January 2018 by

    Burns Night is celebrated by millions of people in Scotland and all around the world. It not only provides a welcome opportunity to celebrate the genius of our national poet, but for us all to enjoy the essential food elements of any Burns Supper – which are available as home grown products in local supermarkets....

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  • An enduring friendship between Scotland & Canada

    16th October 2017 by

    Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work, Keith Brown writes ahead of his visit this week to Canada and the US: Nearly 250 years ago, a group of Scots stood nervously on the shores of Loch Broom looking up at the ship that would carry them to their new lives across the Atlantic, in...

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  • Big in Japan – the 200 year old Mack

    10th May 2013 by

    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...

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  • Stronger Scottish and Japanese life sciences links

    8th May 2013 by

    Geographically the cities of Kyoto and Edinburgh are far removed. Intellectually, culturally and economically our two cities are becoming ever closer. That proximity was further reinforced this week when Scotland’s Finance Secretary John Swinney met with key Japanese businesses working in the field of stem cell research and regenerative medicine here in Kyoto. The links...

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  • MESL Microwaves – Globally Connected

    22nd January 2013 by

    Founded in 1964, MESL microwave has established a strong reputation internationally for its microwave products – we export more than 70 per cent of the components we manufacture in the UK to more than 25 territories. In 2008 we recognised the huge opportunities available in the emerging ‘space’ market and through working with Scottish Enterprise...

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  • Double celebration at Nigg

    21st December 2012 by

    Bought by Global Energy Group in October 2011, the yard now employs 800 people, is home to the award winning Nigg Skills Academy, which has trained over a hundred new welders and fabricators since being opened by the FM in April.

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