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….

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  • 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…

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  • Investment in Moray

    24th August 2020 by

    The signing of the Heads of Terms agreement for the Moray Growth Deal is an important milestone.

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  • Year three for Flexible Workforce Development Fund

    17th July 2019 by

    As a Government we are working hard to ensure our economy, employers and employees are fit and ready to respond to the changing needs of business and emerging economic demands. We are committed to creating a more successful country and opportunities for people living in Scotland whilst creating sustainable and inclusive growth.  I am delighted…

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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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  • Consumer Scotland Bill

    7th June 2019 by

    Like everyone else, I spend money on buying things and I get frustrated when I feel the service or quality falls below the standard I expected. As the Minister responsible for consumer policy, I recognise this can have consequences for whole groups of people and negatively impact individual lives in serious and long-lasting ways. The…

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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: 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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  • Welcoming International Women’s Day

    8th March 2019 by

    Today is International Women’s Day. It’s also the last day of Scottish Apprenticeship Week. Although very different in scale and theme, both events share an overarching theme: creating and celebrating opportunity. The opportunity I want to focus on during this important day, both as a woman but also as the Digital Economy Minister for Scotland,…

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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…

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