Speaking ahead of a series of business engagements this week
across a range of sectors, First Minister has
declared that business growth and prosperity is central to
success in his government’s defining missions.
This week (commencing 30 October) the First Minister will meet
with representatives from sectors as diverse as investment,
gaming and food production, part of further deepening and
strengthening links between the Scottish Government and
businesses.
It follows the publication of an implementation plan on the New
Deal for Business, which sets out the Scottish Government’s
long-term commitment to work in partnership with business to
deliver a wellbeing economy and make Scotland the best possible
place for business, people and planet.
The First Minister said:
“We want our businesses to thrive and for their success to
benefit all of society. It’s central to my government’s vision
for a wellbeing economy, which meets the needs and aspirations of
our people and provides opportunities for all.
“Business prosperity is central to achieving success in my
Government’s defining missions – equality: tackling poverty and
protecting people from harm; opportunity: building a fair, green
and growing economy; and community: delivering efficient and
effective public services – and I am determined to do all I can
to support and promote that prosperity.
“There’s no doubt our economy is going through turbulent times –
inflation, rising interest rates, and the ongoing effects of
Brexit are putting businesses under huge pressure. The Scottish
Government is doing what we can to try to mitigate these impacts
– for instance, through our non-domestic rates policy, the UK’s
most generous relief scheme for small businesses which is
estimated to take over 100,000 properties out of rates
altogether.
“I am determined that together, the Scottish Government and the
business community can foster the right conditions where business
is empowered to invest, to innovate, and to provide good, green
jobs based on fair work principles – and make Scotland the best
place in the world to run a business.”
Background
New Deal for Business Group -
Report on Progress & Recommendations: Implementation Plan -
gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
