12/05/2009
‘Innovating for the upturn’ in the Scottish economy is the focus for politicians and Scottish business leaders gathering at Holyrood next month for the fifth annual Business in the Parliament conference.
‘Innovating for the upturn’ in the Scottish economy is the focus for politicians and Scottish business leaders gathering at Holyrood next month for the fifth annual Business in the Parliament conference.
The event, which is jointly organised by the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government, brings together MSPs, Ministers and senior figures from businesses and organisations across Scotland.
This year’s conference, held on Friday 19 June, will focus on areas such as support and financial advice for businesses, innovation in science and technology, workforce development, manufacturing and the delivery of public services.
Keynote speakers at the event include Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth John Swinney. Discussion groups will be chaired by representatives from the business world and public sector, including the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts, WL Gore and Associates (UK) Ltd, First Scotrail, enterprise agencies and Strathclyde University.
Convener of the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee, Iain Smith, said: “The Business in the Parliament conference is now in its fifth year and is well established as a key annual event bringing together senior figures from business, Parliament and government.
"This year’s event is particularly pertinent given the current economic climate and this will no doubt form a large part of the discussion sessions in the workshops.
"Key themes for the day include skills and workforce investment, how businesses access finance, and innovation in science, technology and manufacturing.
"I am keen that we focus this year’s event on ensuring that our businesses are in the best possible shape through investments in innovation and in their employees. In this way we can help to grow the Scottish economy again in the upturn that we all hope we see in the coming year.”
Enterprise Minister Jim Mather MSP said: “Seeing, and seizing, opportunities is all the more crucial during a recession. During downturns there are always new innovations and I welcome the chance to hear at the Business in the Parliament conference how innovation can help beat the recession in Scotland and ensure we are fully prepared to take advantage of future opportunities.”
Further information
The Business in the Parliament event is open to the media. To arrange access please use the contact details provided below.
The schedule for the day is as follows:
Friday 19 June 2009 – Scottish Parliament main chamber
9am: Welcome by Alex Fergusson MSP, Presiding Officer
9.10am: Opening Address – First Minister, The Rt. Hon Alex Salmond MSP
9.20am: Views from the committee – Iain Smith MSP, Convener of the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee
9.30am: Views from the business community –
Jonathan Kestenbaum, chief executive of the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts, and board member of Design Council and UK Technology Strategy Board;
Ann Gillies, Human resources leader, W L Gore and Associates (UK) Ltd;
Graham Hutcheon, Group Operations Director, The Edrington Group.
10.20am: Discussion sessions
12.20pm: Feedback and open forum
1.15pm: Closing speech – John Swinney MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth
1.30pm: Closing remarks – Presiding Officer.
Further information about the Business in the Parliament event.