Scottish Government
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Business environment

The Scottish Government is working hard to retain Scotland's position as the most supportive environment for business in the UK, with the most generous package of reliefs available anywhere on these islands, Finance Secretary John Swinney told delegates at the Cairngorms Business Partnership Conference today.

The Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth outlined the practical actions and policies the Scottish Government is taking, through the Government Economic Strategy, to strengthen the recovery, drive sustainable growth and develop a more resilient and adaptable economy. This includes: increased capital expenditure, improved access to finance for medium and small sized businesses, and the introduction of measures to boost economic confidence and income security.

The Cairngorms Business Conference is hosted every year by the Cairngorms Business Partnership. The event's prime focus is business and the role of the Cairngorms National Park as a driver for the recovery of Scotland's national and local economy, alongside addressing the importance of business collaboration.

Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth John Swinney said:
"The Scottish Government and our enterprise agencies are working hard to secure new jobs and investment, and to retain Scotland's position as the most competitive environment for business in the UK.

"In our work to strengthen Scotland's recovery, this Government is maintaining the most generous package of reliefs available anywhere in the UK, worth on average more than £500 million per year, and record numbers of business properties are saving money though the Small Business Bonus Scheme.

"At a time when the UK Government is rationalising the support it offers to businesses, Scotland continues to offer the support that business needs, when and how it needs it. Business Gateway, delivered through local authorities, will continue to offer a range of business advice and support services to all Scotland's potential start-up, early stage and established businesses.

"The Scottish Government's 'Plan MacB' economic approach is helping to ensure that employment in Scotland is higher than for any other nation in the UK. More needs to be done to strengthen recovery, and with control of all the economic and financial levers, the Scottish Government could do even more maximise our economic potential and Scotland's competiveness.

"Our recently published Government Economic Strategy sets the direction for the public sector to work collaboratively with the private, academic and third sectors to accelerate growth. The Cairngorms Business Partnership represents an excellent model for collaborative working. The Conference offers a valuable opportunity for the private and public sector to work together and identify opportunities which will benefit the local economy."

Related Information

The Government Economic Strategy

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