Scotland's Economy

  • 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….

    Read more

  • 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…

    Read more

  • Encouraging workers to get their vaccines

    2nd July 2021 by

    We know vaccination is key to moving forward from the pandemic and I am pleased to be working with Scotland’s business organisations to encourage businesses up and down the country to support their staff to attend their vaccine appointments. See our joint statement: “The COVID-19 vaccine is a vital step in Scotland’s progress towards a…

    Read more

  • 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…

    Read more

  • 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…

    Read more

  • This week – 10/08/18

    11th August 2018 by

    Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal This week First Minister Nicola Sturgeon formally signed off the Scottish Government’s investment in the ambitious Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal. The £1.3 billion deal will deliver inclusive economic growth across the region through housing, innovation, transport, skills and culture. The Scottish Government and the…

    Read more

  • Business rates consultation

    27th November 2012 by

    Scottish businesses already operate in the most competitive business environment in the UK thanks to the improvements we have made to the current rates system and to ensure Scotland maintains this competitive advantage, we have today launched a consultation on business rates.

    Read more

  • Pre-Budget update on Government Economic Strategy

    10th September 2012 by

    A year has past since we refreshed our Government Economic Strategy (GES) and today we’ve published a report demonstrating progress in our actions to drive growth and develop a more resilient, adaptable economy.

    Read more

  • Scotland Week – Houston

    11th April 2012 by

    Scotland Week is a huge opportunity to promote our businesses in one of the world’s largest economies and that’s what I’ll be doing over the next week with the Chief Executive of SDI Anne MacColl – showing North America that Scotland is open for business.

    Read more

  • Budget debate

    28th March 2012 by

    The impact of last week’s UK Budget will be felt across Scottish business in the months and years to come. Today, the Scottish Parliament gets the chance to debate the measures, with a motion that “the Parliament is disappointed that the UK Chancellor’s budget is a missed opportunity…”

    Read more