Scotland's Economy

  • In the news: climate change and business

    24th December 2018 by

    Findings released by World Wildlife Foundation Scotland today suggests that small to medium-sized businesses feel less prepared for the risks of climate change compared to larger businesses. The survey of 300 businesses shows that only 2 in 5 of Scotland’s smaller firms feel prepared for risks posed by climate change, while over three-quarters of larger...

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  • This week: 21/12/2018

    21st December 2018 by

    £2m to assist Glasgow’s fire recovery Around £1.85 million of the Scottish Government’s Fire Recovery Fund is to be used by Glasgow City Council to provide business rates relief and support business recovery. Every business in the immediate fire cordon area and eligible businesses in the wider Sauchiehall Street area will receive 100% business rates...

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  • Improving construction industry payments

    18th December 2018 by

    Cash retention – the practice of withholding a percentage of the payment on construction projects – will be among the issues considered as part of a Scottish Government consultation planned in 2019. The use of cash retentions in the construction industry is commonplace and when used properly is an effective project assurance tool. However, many...

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  • This week: 14/12/18

    14th December 2018 by

    Budget Economy Secretary Derek Mackay presented the Scottish Government’s 2019-20 spending plans to the Scottish Parliament. Mr Mackay said the budget will seek to strengthen Scotland’s economy and deliver long term investments to transform public services. Read more Labour Market stats Labour Market Statistics, published this week show that: 2,633,000 people are now in work...

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  • Lowest unemployment rate on record

    11th December 2018 by

    Commenting on the labour market statistics, released by the ONS for August to October 2018, Business Minister Jamie Hepburn said: “The Scottish economy and jobs market remain strong despite the continued challenges of Brexit. “Scotland’s unemployment rate fell again, down to 3.7%, which is lower than the UK rate of 4.1% – where unemployment has...

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  • Ivan McKee: Steps towards Carbon Neutrality

    10th December 2018 by

    We all know the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to avoid the worst effects of climate change – that has been clear for a while now. What is becoming increasingly apparent is the extent to which this offers an economic opportunity for Scotland. Being at the forefront of the global transition to carbon-neutrality means...

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  • This week 7/11

    7th December 2018 by

    Small Business Saturday Did you know there are over 340,000 small businesses in Scotland? The Scottish Government is investing over £1.25 billion in City Region Deals, looking to benefit small businesses by invigorating local economies. Read more here Review of employability services Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills Jamie Hepburn announced how the Scottish...

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  • EU taking more than half of Scotland’s exports

    6th December 2018 by

    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...

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  • New approach to employability services

    5th December 2018 by

    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:...

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  • 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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