Scottish economic plan is welcomed by business groups

SUPPORT: New website will bring together enterprise and skills agencies

Business leaders have welcomed the new Economic Action Plan for Scotland, unveiled by economic secretary Derek Mackay yesterday.

A new website–find businesssupport.gov.scot – will bring together Scotland’s enterprise and skills agencies and make it easier for businesses to get information and support.

The plan also covers issues such as the transition to a net-zero economy; transforming public sector support for businesses; investing in Scotland’s workforce to make the skills sector more responsive to the needs of the economy; and supporting rural SMEs.

Support for the Scottish National Investment Bank, the investment arm of Scottish Enterprise, was approved by MS P son Tuesday and will be operational this year.

Mr Mackay said: “I want to ensure that we continue to support innovation, improve skills and stimulate growth in employment. We must do all this while also contributing towards our ambitious net-zero targets.

“A key part of the plan is the need to make it easier for businesses to get information, advice and support at the right time.

“That is why Scotland’s enterprise and skills agencies have come together to develop this new website.”

The plan also includes measures such as establishing the National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland, increasing infrastructure investment, growing exports and attracting global talent.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said the refreshed plan will only deliver if backed by concrete probusiness measures in the forthcoming Scottish Government Budget.

Andrew McRae, FSB’s Scotland policy chairman, said: “FSB has repeatedly called on the Scottish Government to create a business support system that provides a seamless, co-ordinated and joined-up service.

“Therefore, the delivery of a new bespoke website for enterprise advice, support and information should be applauded.

“With all eyes on the upcoming Scottish Government Budget, Government and opposition need to build on this launch and agree a package of support to boost the fortunes of local businesses.”

The director of the Scottish Retail Consortium David Lonsdale said there was much in the plan the retail industry could support, in particular the measures on skills, innovation, digital and transport infrastructure.

However, Mr Lonsdale said he hoped for a “stronger emphasis” on keeping down the cost of doing business in order to stimulate commercial investment.

He said: “In these unsettling times for retailers, the only fixed point in a world of flux seems to be rising costs which are increasingly difficult to absorb without passing on to shoppers.

“A more all-encompassing approach to delivering a competitive business rates regime is required.”

The delivery of a new bespoke website for enterprise advice, support and information should be applauded ANDREW MCRAE, FEDERATIONAL OF SMALL BUSINESSES