Scotland's Economy

  • Small Business Saturday: Digital support for small businesses

    1st December 2018 by

    Small Business Saturday is an excellent opportunity to reflect on the many ways that digital is already helping Scotland’s small businesses to grow – and it goes without saying that innovation is at the very heart of this. The Scottish Government is committed to giving small businesses access to cutting-edge research and technology to help...

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  • This week 30/11

    30th November 2018 by

    Fairer Deliveries For All action plan Business Minister Jamie Hepburn launched the Fairer Deliveries For All action plan this week as part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to tackling unfair parcel delivery charges. Read more here  Export Challenge Trade Minister Ivan McKee launched the Scottish Government’s Export Challenge with CBI Scotland. The Scottish Government and...

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  • This week 23/11/18

    23rd November 2018 by

    National Economic Forum  The First Minister opened the National Economic Forum in Dundee this week by stressing the Scottish Government’s commitment to exploring all options to secure a future for the Michelin Plant. Economy Secretary Derek Mackay convened the second meeting of the Michelin Dundee Action Group that afternoon. Digital Economy debate Digital Economy Minister...

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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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  • This week 16/11/18

    16th November 2018 by

    Fair Work Charter The Fair Work Charter for Severe Weather has been published by the Scottish Government to encourage employers to treat workers fairly and be mindful of their safety in the event of extreme weather. It provides four guiding principles to help employers prepare for adverse weather. Read morehttp://ow.ly/PlSe30mDGCL Life Sciences Figures Figures released...

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  • Trade Board

    12th November 2018 by

    The Scottish Government has ambitious plans for Scotland’s future trading potential. Trade Minister Ivan McKee blogs on why we are looking for business experts to join our Trade Board and ensure Scotland fulfils its export potential.

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  • Living Wage Week

    11th November 2018 by

    This week we have been celebrating Living Wage Week 2018. As Minister with responsibility for Fair Work and Business, I have spent the week visiting living wage employees and meeting people who are being paid the living wage rate. I was delighted to welcome the news that rate of the real Living Wage will increase to...

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  • This week 9/11/18

    9th November 2018 by

    Living Wage Week kicks off Scotland’s new Living Wage was announced as £9 per hour.  The First Minister visited Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory to mark the start of Living Wage Week, 5-9 November. Read more here. Apprenticeship Conference Skills Development Scotland delivered Scotland’s first Apprenticeship Conference as part of Year of Young People 2018. It...

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  • This week 2/11/18

    2nd November 2018 by

    Introducing the business rates cap Hotels across Scotland and offices in Aberdeen are amongst those who will benefit from a cap to their business rates bill following an announcement by Public Finance Minister Kate Forbes. Having already benefited from the cap in 2017-18 and 2018-19, hospitality businesses will now see rates capped at a maximum...

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  • Joint statement by the Scottish Government and STUC on the UK Government’s budget

    31st October 2018 by

    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...

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