Scottish Chambers in post-referendum talks
Working for best future deals in business
Following the EU referendum last week representatives of the Scottish Chambers network have been in discussion with British Chambers of Commerce and have spoken with representatives of the Scottish Government with regard to the First Minister’s announcements, and have highlighted the need for business to be heavily engaged in the early discussions.
Liz Cameron, CEO Scottish Chambers of Commerce has stated: “I see a clear role for the Scottish Chambers of Commerce network in the months and years ahead, as we work with our members and with our Governments to secure the best deal for Scotland’s businesses, whatever political or constitutional circumstances we require to deal with.
“The Scottish Chambers of Commerce network must now be up to the task of making this new reality work for business.”
At West Lothian Chamber our big news for this month is the confirmation of our successful bid for West Lothian’s Developing Young Workforce.
The Chamber worked for several months with partners West Lothian Council, West Lothian College, Mitsubishi Electric and several business and public sector representatives.
The proposal was presented to the National Group at STV headquarters and feedback was very positive towards it being an innovative and clearly strong partnership working project.
We will be launching the project and our plans for an employer and education engaged Portal including a “Think Box” at our Economic Conference on 21 st September at Howden Park Centre, so put the date in the diary and come along to find out more.
More exciting news in West Lothian this month is Mhairi Harrington, Principal and Chief Executive of West Lothian College, has been awarded an OBE for Services to Education in the Queen’s 2016 Birthday Honours List. Mrs Harrington, has been Principal of West Lothian College for over eight years, and said that the accolade had come as great surprise.
Early in 2016, West Lothian College was praised for its good leadership and support for learners by Education Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Council (SFC).
In 2015 Mrs Harrington was awarded the United Kingdom FE Leader of the Year at the UK wide TES Awards.
With over 37 years’ experience, spanning primary education, youth and community education, adult services and community development including eight years as an Associate Assessor for HMIE,
Mhairi is passionate about economic and social inclusiveness, particularly for young people.
We are very lucky to have Mhairi on West Lothian’s Developing Young Workforce board and look forward to working with her on this project over the coming years.
Also this month saw the completion of this year’s Mitsubishi Pump It Up school challenge and yet again we saw an outstanding display of innovation and team work from all the pupils that took part.
Our congratulations to all the finalists and especially the winning team from Armadale Academy.