Scotland’s entrepreneurialism to be the focus of Business in Parliament

29.04.2012

From starting a business in your living room to a multinational company with operations across the world, how best to support and encourage Scotland’s entrepreneurs will be the focus of the 7th annual Business in Parliament event.

Held on 7 and 8 June, this event will feature some of Scotland’s most successful business people, including a key note speech from Sir Tom Hunter, a leading advocate of entrepreneurialism.

The conference will celebrate Scottish business success and consider how we can do even better at home and internationally. Other themes that will be covered include how to support and encourage more of Scotland’s businesses to export, business transitions and mergers, and the role of innovation in driving sustainable economic growth. 

Held jointly with the Scottish Government and supported by Scotland’s major business organisations, the event will be addressed by the Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick MSP and The First Minister, The Rt Hon. Alex Salmond MSP. 

Murdo Fraser MSP, Convener of the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee said:

“Now in its seventh year, this event brings key players together in one room to discuss, debate and challenge ways in which entrepreneurialism can drive sustainable economic growth. Politicians do not have a monopoly on ideas, by bringing in business knowledge and expertise, it informs policy making and allows us to pursue a joined up, informed approach. 

“Scotland has a long history of entrepreneurialism and innovation. This event will look what we can do to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and what steps we need to take to revive Scotland’s entrepreneurial spirit.” 

Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth John Swinney said:

"Scotland is well recognised for our contribution to shaping the modern world through innovation and the Scottish Government works closely with business and industry to ensure the country continues to be a competitive hotbed of ideas.

“The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring Scotland retains its position as the most competitive environment to do business in the UK and ensuring our entrepreneurs get the support and advice they need. The Business in Parliament event is a unique opportunity to encourage and inspire Scotland’s entrepreneurs and policy makers to realise their growth plans and contribute to Scotland’s economic success.”

Other speakers will address delegates within workshops and speakers include:  

• Jim McColl, Clyde Blowers, on growing your business;
• Patrick McDonald, Founder, Superior Catering, and Alison Grieve, Chief Executive, Safetray Products Ltd – two award-winning young entrepreneurs;
• Malcolm Leask, Sales and Marketing Director, Inverhouse Distillers Ltd on how businesses can take up the export challenge;  and
• Ian Ritchie, Chairman of Iomart Group, on creating economic growth from Scotland’s research base.

Click here for a full programme.

For more information about the Business in the Parliament conference series:
http://www.businessintheparliament.org.uk

Media wishing to attend any part of the conference should contact Kirsty Rimmer in the Media Relations Office.