Scotland's Economy

  • Digital skills success – first graduates from £1 million scheme

    21st January 2020 by

    People out of work and those on low incomes have been helped to develop their digital skills through a new fund. Digital Economy Minister Kate Forbes met with some of the first beneficiaries of the £1 million Digital Start Fund, who have graduated from CodeClan, to hear how the specialist training has helped them achieve…

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  • This week: GERS, Denmark and equal employment opportunities

    23rd August 2019 by

    GERS Scotland’s notional deficit is falling faster than the UK’s, with onshore revenues increasing by 5.1% to reach £61.3 billion in 2018-19 as a result of continued economic growth. According to the Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland (GERS) figures published on 21 June, Scotland benefitted from a £3 billion increase in onshore revenues in the last…

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  • This week: 12/07/19

    12th July 2019 by

    Regional Selective Assistance Business Minister Jamie Hepburn announced a £152,000 Regional Selective Assistance grant for Victor Pizza, creating 15.5 full time jobs and safeguarding 7 jobs over the next 3 years. He said: “I am pleased this £152,000 Scottish Enterprise grant will help create 15 full time jobs and safeguard seven jobs over the next…

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  • This week: 10/05/19

    10th May 2019 by

    Labour Productivity Statistics The latest labour productivity statistics were released and show Scotland is performing well. Key figures included: In 2018 Quarter 4, labour productivity in Scotland, measured by output per hour worked, has increased by 2.3% in real terms (inflation adjusted) compared to the same quarter last year Compared to the previous quarter, labour…

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  • This week: 29/3/19

    29th March 2019 by

    Research and Development statistics Record amounts are being spent on research and development, according to the latest Scottish Government statistics. Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) in 2017, one of the key measures of innovation, saw around £2.5 billion spent, predominately by businesses and higher education institutions. Read more about Research and Development spend…

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  • This week: 15/03/19

    15th March 2019 by

    Scotland’s space industry Scotland’s space sector could be worth £4 billion by 2030, Innovation Minister Ivan McKee said during a space industry debate in Scottish parliament this week. Mr McKee outlined the Scottish Government’s ambitious plans to introduce at least one spaceport by the early 2020s. Read more about Scotland’s space industry   Borderlands Infrastructure…

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  • Response to UK Government Spring Statement

    13th March 2019 by

    Public Finance Minister Kate Forbes has responded to the UK Government’s Spring Statement today, saying: “Amid the continuing uncertainty around the UK’s EU exit, the Spring Statement failed to provide businesses with any reassurances about their future and offered no clarity on future funding for Scotland. “Years of austerity and continued uncertainty at the hands…

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  • Economy Secretary addresses Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce

    5th March 2019 by

    Last week, Economy Secretary Derek Mackay addressed the 2019 Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. Read his full speech below.

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  • This week: 22/02/19

    22nd February 2019 by

    Economic Impact of ‘No Deal’ Brexit A ‘No Deal’ Brexit could have a dramatic impact on Scotland’s economy, with the potential for national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to fall by up to 7%, according to a new report by the Scottish Government’s Chief Economist. The paper, ‘No Deal’ Brexit – Economic Implications for Scotland, sets…

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  • This week: 15/02/19

    15th February 2019 by

    State of the Economy Scotland’s Chief Economist, Gary Gillespie, published his State of the Economy Report in which he warns that intensifying Brexit uncertainty is causing concern and is already impacting key economic indicators in Scotland. Read more SNIB consultation analysis This week saw the first of many milestones for the Scottish National Investment Bank…

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