Scotland's Economy

  • Reaching new frontiers

    8th February 2013 by

    Science contributes billions to the Scottish economy and supports 170,000 jobs. Yesterday I met representatives of a Scottish partnership, announcing the award of a £100 million life science deal for Lanarkshire company BioCity Scotland and Dundee University – the biggest ever investment of its kind in Scotland, by the European Innovative Medicines Initiative. We’re reaching...

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  • Modern Apprentices

    31st January 2013 by

    We want Scotland to be recognised as the best country in the world in which to do business. Our workforce – our people – is perhaps our greatest asset and especially our young people. The Modern Apprenticeship scheme is good news for business and for young people. It has helped many thousands of people into...

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  • Purchase to Pay

    24th January 2013 by

    [A seminar for the public sector with the aim of sharing  experiences of good practice with regard to the Purchase To Pay process took place in Edinburgh today. Attendees included representatives from: Cosla; FSB Scotland; local authorities; NHS boards; NDPBs; agencies.] In these challenging economic conditions, it’s vital that the public sector maximises every possible opportunity...

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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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  • A budget for the economy, and for fairness

    22nd January 2013 by

    Today saw the Scottish Government’s budget bill debated in Parliament – a budget for the economy, and for fairness. Scotland continues to face significant challenges as a result of global economic conditions and the United Kingdom Government’s approach to the public finances. Those challenges are brought into sharp focus by the continuing uncertainty in the...

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  • Academies will be welcomed by employers

    21st January 2013 by

    Last month I was very pleased to announce a £4.6 million award from the Scottish Funding Council for a pioneering training initiative for young people looking to work in tourism, healthcare, food and creative industries. Developed at Queen Margaret University, in collaboration with Edinburgh College and East Lothian Council, the initiative will see up to...

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  • Strengthening Scotland’s creativity: launch of Institute of Design Innovation

    16th January 2013 by

    Thanks to the work of generations of talented, enterprising Scots, Scotland has established an international reputation as being an innovative and creative nation. The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) is arguably one of our greatest hubs of creativity and today I helped to launch its new Institute of Design Innovation, which focuses on encouraging businesses...

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  • Planning for growth

    16th January 2013 by

    Last night, the Scottish Parliament passed a motion which stressed the importance of the planning system for sustainable economic growth, and the importance of working collaboratively to improve the planning system.

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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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  • Help for Remploy staff in Scotland

    19th December 2012 by

    On Tuesday afternoon in Parliament I outlined details of a new recruitment incentive scheme which I hope will help employers looking to take on ex-Remploy staff in Scotland.

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