Kate Forbes
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“We are committed to securing a just transition for Grangemouth. We have provided more than £12 million in funding to support the creation of up to 279 jobs. We are also committed to supporting workers who have been made redundant as a result of commercial decisions at Grangemouth.”
“The unions, especially Unite the Union, have been constructive throughout and have put the needs of their members before anything else. What role has our Government played to create a future for the workers who have been abandoned and discarded by the United Kingdom Labour Government?”
“It has worked with us to establish the Grangemouth jobs prioritisation scheme, which ensures that redundant workers are prioritised for new opportunities arising at Grangemouth as a result of the Grangemouth just transition fund.”
“Kate Forbes: I agree that attracting a varied and diverse range of investors who are able to meet the needs of companies across all projects and stages is vital. We have seen huge growth in start- ups, and now the focus needs to turn to scale-ups.”
“High streets are going to be hammered again by inaction on business rates that, in many cases, are doubling or trebling. Has the Government done any analysis of the impact of those increases on business closures and vacancy rates, and what they will do to the streets? Should the Government not look again at pausing the process?”
“Oliver Mundell: I associate myself with comments from colleagues across the chamber about the Deputy First Minister. I am concerned that the Scottish National Party- led Dumfries and Galloway Council is undoing all that hard work by continuing with its obsession with wasting £70 million of taxpayers’ money on the deeply unpopular Whitesan…”
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“I ask the Deputy First Minister for assurance that the Scottish Government will do all that it can to support Petrofac’s successful Scottish operation and help to retain that workforce in Aberdeen. Kate Forbes: Kevin Stewart is right—yesterday, the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy spoke with the chief executive of Petrofac Facilities Management Ltd. The cabinet secretary and I have also spoken separately to the UK Minister for Energy, and I intend to speak with the trade unions at the earliest opportunity. What we understand from the company is that Petrofac has a number of fundamentally strong businesses and is focused on delivering the best possible outcome for them through this process.”
“The news yesterday will be deeply concerning for employees of Petrofac and their families. We are engaging closely with the company, trade unions and the United Kingdom Government to monitor the situation, and we stand ready to support anyone who is affected. It is important to note in this first answer that we hope that there will not be an impact on jobs in the north-east. Kevin Stewart: I thank the Deputy First Minister for that answer. The Petrofac announcement has caused a lot of worry, stress and concern in Aberdeen and the north-east. I understand and am grateful that cabinet secretary Gillian Martin has already been in touch with Petrofac bosses in Aberdeen.”
“I do not have confidence in the targets, the timeframes, the plan—or lack of one—to cut emissions or the Government’s ability to deliver change for the Scottish people. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I advise the chamber that we have no time in hand and have a lot of business to conduct before the end of play, so members will need to stick to their speaking- time allocations. 17:55”
“While we wait two years for the SNP to come up with a plan to make us all poorer, the Scottish Conservative Party is looking at what will make us all better off. We want cleaner energy and we want to meet our global responsibilities on climate change, but we can do that through providing cleaner nuclear energy and by using our domestic supply of oil and gas instead of relying on imports. We oppose the SSI that has been laid before the chamber and encourage colleagues to hold the devolved SNP Government’s feet to the fire. The SSI would write a blank check for unlimited costs to meet arbitrary targets. The majority of the committee’s members did not approve those targets—they abstained.”
“This week, the Conservatives pledged to axe the carbon tax, scrap extortionate wind subsidies and repeal the Climate Change Act 2008 to cut energy bills for everyone. Carbon reduction targets force Governments to take decisions that increase the cost of energy, make people poorer and make businesses unsustainable, which impacts our rural and remote communities in particular. By axing the carbon tax for electricity generation, we would immediately save people money on their bills. It would mean money in their pockets for everyone as well as money off energy bills. By scrapping renewable subsidies, we would put money directly into everyone’s pockets. Those are commonsense solutions that would put money back into the pockets of hard-working Scots.”
“I have two quick questions. Did the member vote for the net zero targets to be achieved by 2045? Secondly, did the member’s party do anything to reduce energy prices while it was in office? Douglas Lumsden: I am coming on to my party’s plan to reduce energy prices. The world has changed a lot since many of those targets were made. We are being asked to approve uncosted budgets, and I do not think that we are in a position to do that. A third of the wholesale price of electricity is made up of the carbon tax. The Climate Change Committee has accepted that that is a policy choice that is designed to aid the transition to net zero. Ed Miliband’s decision to double the subsidies for offshore wind in 2008 means that many wind farm developers are paid almost three times the market price for their output.”
“Kate Forbes: The ecosystem fund is our programme to support organisations that strengthen the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem by delivering projects that create the conditions for Scottish start-ups to thrive. Since 2021, the fund has invested £3.4 million across 100 innovative projects. The most recent round was launched in April, and, this year, we have awarded £800,000 to 28 projects from 317 applications, which demonstrates continued strong demand. Northern Isles Ferry Services 5.”
“We are fully committed to our support of innovation and entrepreneurship. During the recent national innovation week, we reaffirmed our commitment to supporting innovators by announcing a £5 million package for Scotland’s high-growth clusters, and we launched a new national programme to help businesses to adopt artificial intelligence. In addition, we are investing a record £30 million in various initiatives to support entrepreneurs. Through all those interventions, we aim to become one of Europe’s fastest-growing start-up economies. Gordon MacDonald: Will the Deputy First Minister provide a breakdown of the allocation of and expected outcomes from the ecosystem fund in 2025-26, particularly in regard to the supported projects and their impact on regional economies?”
“Will the Deputy First Minister join me in opposing the closure and condemn the UK Government’s lack of engagement with local representatives and the affected communities? Kate Forbes: Cuts to services mean that people face greater travelling times and costs, which are particularly significant for disabled people and those with complex needs. People also face an increased risk of sanctions from having to travel longer distances to attend jobcentres at specific times. For those reasons, I absolutely join the representative for Rutherglen, Clare Haughey, and all the organisations that she has mentioned in opposing the closure. The lack of consultation prior to the decision is particularly unacceptable. Biodegradable Municipal Waste 2.”
“We have raised the issue of jobcentre closures with UK Government counterparts, and we are concerned about the closure of the Cambuslang jobcentre in Clare Haughey’s constituency. We will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders to assess the impact and explore ways to minimise disruption where necessary. Clare Haughey: The Department for Work and Pensions has announced that the Cambuslang jobcentre in my constituency is to close. It was saved in 2017 after a huge outpouring of opposition to the previous proposed closure. Hundreds of local residents have signed my petition against the closure, and Cambuslang community council is actively involved in the campaign. It is now 10 weeks since I requested an urgent meeting with the UK Government, and I have had no response.”
“The Presiding Officer: The Deputy First Minister will now take questions on the issues raised in her statement. I intend to allow around 20 minutes for questions, after which we will move to the next item of business.”
“Last year, investment in Scottish companies also grew by 19 per cent, even as global markets stalled. Reports from multiple sources record business start-up rates growing at record levels. As the chief entrepreneur, Ana Stewart, told me last week, “Scotland is back in the game—a recognised player for the first time in decades.” In the chamber, members frequently and rightly challenge me to support policies and projects that will drive economic growth. That is what Techscaler is doing, and I would hate to see that progress compromised by these anonymous briefings. I say sincerely to members: help us with your support, your ideas and your challenges, because together we have a genuine opportunity to transform Scotland’s economy and back the initiatives that are delivering results.”
“We now have contracts signed, a clear strategy to scale in the US, and an invaluable network of connections.” Sandeep Casi, a Tokyo-based partner at Antler, which is a global venture capital fund, said: “the quality of the Scottish founders that recently travelled to Japan ... is proof that Scotland is set for ... success ... Japan can be a key territory to drive this”. I could continue with testimonials, but I prefer to conclude positively. Five years ago, this Government set out a vision to establish Scotland as one of Europe’s fastest-growing entrepreneurial economies. That vision is now a reality. The latest analysis shows that Scotland is growing at a rate of 19 per cent, which is well above the UK rate of 12.5 per cent, and almost double the rate of Sweden and the Netherlands.”
“Techscaler has now hosted inward visits from 12 countries, including America, Singapore and China, which are all keen to partner with Techscaler and invest in Scotland. Since the anonymous criticisms were published, business leaders have expressed their views publicly. Wes Beard of konversable said: “The fact this has been reported as a ‘free holiday’ is not only factually inaccurate, but an insult to the entrepreneurs”. Daniel Grant of fern said that he has “never heard anyone call these trips a holiday.” Natalie Garry of danceSing said: “We arrived with no US clients.”
“In a few cases, participants have chosen to extend their stay beyond the programme and to be joined by partners, but that was entirely at their own personal expense and no public funds were used for those purposes. My officials have, however, made clear to CodeBase’s leadership that, where public funds are concerned, appearances matter and the highest standards of propriety must be upheld. Most importantly, the international programme has been a huge success. Multiple export contracts have been secured, six participants secured £5.4 million of investment and several other firms are in dialogue with investors. Showcasing Scottish companies has also put us on the entrepreneurial map.”
“Germany pays for founders to base themselves in silicon valley with free space and expert support. The Nordics go even further, clubbing together to operate a series of scaled start-up incubators across the US and Asia with subsidised travel and accommodation, allowing founders to focus on growth, not logistics. The Finns go further still, investing in local housing to support founders to live and work in silicon valley for a full three months. That is the level of ambition that we are competing against. The real question is not whether Techscaler goes too far in relation to international exposure for founders and entrepreneurs but whether it is doing enough.”
“Techscaler’s international programme helps start-ups to go global by connecting to investors, entering new markets and enabling founders to benchmark their companies against world-class competitors. Techscaler covers the cost of workspace, economy flights and accommodation. Participants cannot claim for any additional travel or subsistence costs. That part of the programme represents 2 per cent of Techscaler’s spend to date. As we shall see, that is far from excessive by international standards. The programme deliberately does not have a militarised schedule. It is about supporting serious entrepreneurs from Scotland to live and work in the world’s best ecosystems for an extended period. In that regard, Techscaler mirrors international best practice.”
“It also requires accountability for results and a positive approach to partnership. We want Techscaler to be one of the best programmes of its kind anywhere in the world. That is why, earlier this year—long before any of the recent anonymous criticism—I commissioned an early independent review. I will shortly meet CodeBase’s chair, the exceptional Gillian Docherty, who is the chief commercial officer at the University of Strathclyde, to discuss the emerging findings. However, the unfortunate reality is that we are not here to discuss the rationale for Techscaler or its performance, or to debate how the programme could be optimised. Instead, we are here because some see political capital in a series of unattributed, unsubstantiated claims that have been made in the press. Let us address those claims head on.”
“The programme is new and ambitious, and it offers a complex mix of services at national scale, so it is only natural that there continues to be scope to refine and optimise. There are challenges to overcome and opportunities that can be realised only if Techscaler is able to adapt and change. In the post-pandemic economy, the focus on physical co-working has been challenging, as has creating a focal point for the entrepreneurial community in regions where none has previously existed. The start-up world evolves quickly and, since the Logan review, investors are turning towards deeptech. That requires Techscaler to pivot to emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, medtech and robotics. It requires Techscaler, like any start-up in a fast-moving environment, to improve its leadership, agility and execution.”
“This year, 18 members have won Scottish EDGE awards, and three Techscaler companies—Malted AI, Simple Online Healthcare and Wordsmith AI— are named in Tech Nation’s future fifty programme, which focuses on companies with a $1 billion potential. Techscaler is far from the totality of our offer. Today, I can announce that, as part of our commitment to Ana Stewart’s “Pathways: A New Approach for Women in Entrepreneurship” report, £1.16 million will be provided to 14 organisations to support new entrepreneurs across Scotland, with a focus on women and underrepresented groups. None of that is to say that Techscaler is perfect. The contract was awarded, on the basis of cost and quality, to CodeBase, a local ecosystem builder—a start-up itself—that has scaled operations rapidly.”
“Nearly three years on from its creation, let us examine Techscaler’s performance. Membership stands at 1,300 start-ups, and the number of applications continues to accelerate. Thirty-five per cent of members are women, which is well above industry averages. It is perhaps no coincidence that a new study from JP Morgan shows that investment in female-led businesses in Scotland has risen by 10.5 per cent in the past year. That compares with a 29 per cent fall in England. Collectively, Techscaler members have raised £195 million of investment. Sifted, the Financial Times start-up platform, ranks Techscaler as among the best founder communities in Europe.”
“As Mr Logan put it, as we are “short on experience, we must go long on education.” That is where Techscaler comes in. It is an ambitious idea that is designed to provide the world-class support that is taken for granted in silicon valley, Helsinki and Paris. It operates across 13 co-working spaces and provides structured commercial education from ideation through to scale. That includes free national access to Reforge, which is one of silicon valley’s leading and prestigious providers of scale-up training. Techscaler pairs new founders with mentors who have been there and done it, and those mentors provide support over months, not just in one-off clinics. It is also about culture and community—creating the events, networks and peer learning that make an entrepreneurial economy thrive.”
“It is with pride, optimism and some frustration that I address the chamber on the progress of Techscaler: pride, because the programme is exceeding expectations; optimism, because its performance is contributing to Scotland’s rise as one of Europe’s fastest-growing entrepreneurial economies; and frustration, because even that undeniable success cannot escape political and, even worse, anonymous sniping. We should begin with what Techscaler does and why it matters. In 2020, I asked one of Scotland’s most successful modern entrepreneurs, Mark Logan, to review Scotland’s entrepreneurial economy. He concluded that Scotland has no shortage of ideas or ambition, but we lacked the necessary density of experienced talent to turn sparks of inspiration into globally successful companies.”
“Does the minister share my concern that if the Department for Work and Pensions’ proposed closure of Cambuslang jobcentre goes ahead, a vital link between the services is at risk in a sector where partnership working is vital? Kate Forbes: I absolutely understand and share the member’s concern about the proposed jobcentre closure. Access to support could become more difficult if it goes ahead. I also recognise the importance of Routes to Work South’s 20 years of support in Cambuslang. It is important that there is cross-sector partnership in delivering services; collaborations through community-led initiatives, local organisations and integrated services will continue to evolve and provide vital support. Distress Brief Intervention 8.”
“Employment support for young people begins in the school setting through Skills Development Scotland’s careers services and its developing the young workforce programme. Additional support for those who have left school without a positive destination is available through devolved employability services. That support is available in every local authority area in Scotland. Clare Haughey: Routes to Work South, which is based in Cambuslang, in my constituency, is an award-winning employment champion that offers packages of tailored support and training, including to many young people, and it is celebrating 20 years of operation this year.”
“The Deputy Presiding Officer: With apologies to those whom I was not able to call, that concludes portfolio questions on Deputy First Minister responsibilities. There will be a brief pause before we move to the next portfolio to allow members on the front benches to change. Point of Order 14:25”
“Why has it taken two years for ministers to even consider the outcome of the public inquiry, which was submitted back in October 2023? When will the decision be made that we will get our Sheriffhall roundabout? Kate Forbes: We are keen to see progress being made. More than 1,200 items of evidence were lodged for that public local inquiry, which indicates the extent of the interest in it. That also needs rigorous scrutiny from technical and legal advisers, and they need to be separate from those who are involved in the promotion of the project. Consequently, only a small number of people are working on the decision-making advice, and they are also the only people to be sighted on the inquiry report. We await advice on that from those officials.”
“As part of our £1.9 billion commitment to the deals programme, we provide regional partners with the opportunity to lead on the delivery of major long-term infrastructure projects that will unlock transformative economic growth opportunities. That could be the Fife industrial innovation investment programme or the Edinburgh innovation hub, through the Edinburgh and south-east Scotland city region deal. In other words, deal-funded projects must adhere to statutory processes, but they are ultimately led and informed by local partners. Sue Webber: I accept the premise that local decision making is a priority, but we are facing congestion at Sheriffhall that is frustrating for drivers and is holding back the economy of the Lothians and, frankly, all of south-east Scotland by making transport for businesses slower and far less reliable.”
“Kate Forbes: Without wanting to comment on decisions that are rightly to be taken by local authorities, because I am a strong believer in local decision making, I agree with the importance of integrated transport links, additional and improved transport links and ensuring that all parts of the region benefit, including Monica Lennon’s constituents in Lanarkshire. A number of commitments through the city region deal emphasise transport. It is always worth remembering that it is a Glasgow city region deal; it is not just about the town centre.”
“We regularly discuss matters of importance with colleagues to ensure that we are securing strong economic growth, including with regard to transport investment. The Glasgow city region deal is supporting a range of projects to strengthen regional transport and connectivity. Monica Lennon: I welcome that update. Residents in Lanarkshire are in favour of more action to make public transport more affordable and accessible, but they do not favour proposals by the Scottish National Party Glasgow City Council to introduce a charge for drivers visiting the city. Does the Deputy First Minister agree that that would be the wrong policy direction? Will she and the Government accelerate plans to boost transport and connectivity investment to support people in Lanarkshire, not punish them?”
“South Lanarkshire Council has received more than £27 million of regeneration capital investment since 2014, which includes £3.4 million through the town centre fund. We will continue to work with local authorities such as South Lanarkshire Council on their priorities. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I have a number of supplementaries. I will try to get in as many as I can.”
“At the same time— The Deputy Presiding Officer: I need a question, Mr Russell. Davy Russell: South Lanarkshire Council has undertaken a comprehensive consultation and allocated £8 million to kick start the redevelopment. However, it needs Scottish Government— The Deputy Presiding Officer: I need a question, Mr Russell. Davy Russell: Can the Scottish Government match the £8 million that South Lanarkshire Council has put in? Kate Forbes: It is for South Lanarkshire Council to develop plans for Hamilton town centre, and it sounds as though it is doing so. I am aware that the council published details of that 15-year master plan for Hamilton town centre and that there was strong support when the plans were consulted on.”
“Davy Russell: I am sure that many colleagues across the chamber, including the Deputy First Minister, will now be familiar with my constituency, which mirrors many towns throughout Scotland that have been starved of funds and neglected over the past 18 years when the Scottish National Party has been running Scotland. Members will also know that, although there remains a distinct Hamiltonian identity, the town centre is in much need of regeneration—the issue was in the top 3 during my election campaign. However, thanks to budding potential from renewables, digital, cybersecurity and infrastructure projects, Hamilton is primed for growth— The Deputy Presiding Officer: Question. Davy Russell: —from new industries. As a result, the town centre must be fit for purpose and able to embrace the growth.”
“We want our town centres to be revitalised. That is backed up by policies such as our leading town centre first principle, the delivery of the town centre action plan and provision of support through the national planning framework 4. We also provide direct financial support for town centres through the regeneration capital investment programme, the place-based investment programme and the regeneration capital grant fund. That includes investment of more than £62 million this year alone to help transform vacant properties, bring them back into productive use and unlock opportunities for housing, business and enterprise activity in town centres.”
“The member will know, particularly in the oil and gas industry, that companies that have unfortunately made part of their workforce redundant have nearly always cited the adverse impact of the energy profits levy. If memory serves me right, it was Mr Kerr’s party that introduced that.”
“Liam Kerr: I thank the cabinet secretary for that answer, but interrogating the data shows that, following 18 years of Scottish National Party rule, Aberdeen is projected to be the slowest-growing city in the United Kingdom, with falling household incomes between 2025 and 2028. Having hammered Aberdeen through a naive and ignorant presumption against oil and gas, an unevidenced low-emission zone, Scotland’s highest tourist tax and a business rates regime that is killing Union Street, what exactly is the Government going to do to reverse Aberdeen’s suffering under the SNP? Kate Forbes: Let us be very clear on a point of agreement, which is that there are significant economic challenges across our regions.”
“Economic forecasts continue to underline the economic headwinds that we face, which are particularly difficult for an open, trade- focused economy such as Scotland. We have prioritised driving growth through investment and innovation and addressing economic inactivity with the limited powers that are at our disposal. However, if I could choose one issue that directly answers the member’s question, it would be that we face distinct demographic challenges. There is a strong need to boost our working-age population and seize the significant economic opportunities that are available to us which, in turn, would drive GVA growth.”
“I imagine that, with the Parliament’s permission, this might not be my final comment in the chamber on the matter. There are still some challenges ahead. However, I have been assured that Alexander Dennis is working hard to secure orders in national and international markets and that its confidence in the order book is increasing. As a result of collaboration between the company, the workforce and the Government, a bridge to a sustainable future for Alexander Dennis is now in place. The Deputy Presiding Officer: The Deputy First Minister will take questions on the issues that she raised in her statement. I intend to allow around 20 minutes for those, after which we will move on to the next item of business. I would be grateful if members who wish to ask a question could press their request-to-speak buttons.”
“I have engaged with Unite and GMB representatives regularly over the past few months—they might be sick of the sight of my face—and I did so again yesterday. Throughout it all, I have been impressed by their determination to support their members, their desire to find solutions and their openness to change. In conclusion, I hope that the announcements that have been made this week will bring comfort to the workers at Alexander Dennis and that they can look forward with confidence again. It is essential that we protect the skilled manufacturing capacity that we need to build our transition to a green industrial economy. With our innovative furlough support, the Government has again demonstrated a willingness to step in to support Scottish workers and to get behind Scottish manufacturing. There is a lot more to do.”
“I have addressed the contributions of Alexander Dennis, the Government and Scottish Enterprise. I now want to acknowledge the workforce and the vital role that its trade union representatives in Unite the Union and GMB have played in the announcements that we and the company have been able to make this week. The past few months have been extremely worrying times for all who work proudly for Alexander Dennis, their families and the local communities of Larbert and Falkirk. In spite of those challenges, the workforce has demonstrated enormous resilience and collaborated with the company on an agreement that modernises operational working practices. That the shop floor approved those changes through an overwhelmingly positive ballot last week is testament to the workforce’s commitment to the future of Alexander Dennis.”
“If Alexander Dennis chooses to take employees off furlough for periods of training or to conduct work, or during pre- arranged factory shutdowns such as the festive holidays, all costs for those periods will be borne by the company. Our furlough grant is a time- limited and proportionate intervention that protects our industrial talent base while limiting the burden on taxpayers. Furlough is not a stand-alone intervention. During the period of furlough, training and other productivity-enhancing assistance will continue to be offered by Scottish Enterprise. Scottish Enterprise has a strong 10-year-plus strategic partnership with the business, and its research and development and operational support will help the company to meet market challenges through investment and support the sites to exit furlough with improved performance.”
“The terms of our scheme have parallels with those of the UK Government’s coronavirus job retention scheme, with a maximum claim of £2,500 per employee per month, which is equivalent to a gross annual salary of £30,000. The company will be responsible for the payment of wages above the £2,500-per-month threshold and for all employers’ national insurance and pension contributions. It is important that the Scottish Government support scheme extends only to those employees of Alexander Dennis whose roles are linked directly to bus manufacturing. The furlough support scheme is time limited to a maximum period of 26 weeks, and the total cost will not exceed £4.1 million.”
“Despite the present temporary lull in activity, Alexander Dennis is increasingly confident about its order book, but it needs a bridge to the future, and the Scottish Government has offered that with the furlough support that we have made available. The furlough scheme, which will operate for up to 26 weeks, is intended to be the bridge to a sustainable future for Alexander Dennis. If all the conditions of the furlough grant are met, including initial evidence of contracted orders, Alexander Dennis will be entitled to recover from the Scottish Government up to 80 per cent of the basic wage costs of its manufacturing staff in Scotland.”
“We heard about the challenges that are posed by increasing international competition and the need for a clear UK bus demand pipeline. We gained an appreciation of the huge scale of future demand for zero-emission buses from public transport operators across the UK, as they increasingly make the switch from diesel-powered to electric vehicles. Last year, in 2024, only 7.4 per cent of all buses in England were zero-emission buses. In Scotland, the adoption of zero-emission buses has been much faster, but, still, a great many of the buses on our roads today will have to be replaced over the next decade to meet our climate goals. A just transition to net zero requires that we retain the industrial capacity and skills that are needed to fulfil that demand and to build those zero-emission buses right here in Scotland.”
“However, the economic consequences would not have stopped there, as members reminded me during the statement that I made in June. Alexander Dennis estimates that, for every direct job in bus manufacturing, there is a multiplier of three to four jobs in the wider supply chain and support services. The Government’s commitment was to leave no stone unturned to find practical solutions. We said that we would not posture or play politics with the situation and that we would explore every avenue to avoid redundancies, and we have done just that. Since June, ministers across the Government have engaged extensively with Alexander Dennis and its Canadian parent company, NFI Group, to understand the core issues and explore all possible avenues of support.”
“At that point, the company had just made public a new strategy for its United Kingdom manufacturing operations that was designed to consolidate all bus manufacturing into a single site at Scarborough in Yorkshire. If enacted, production at Falkirk would have been discontinued and the site closed, while production at Larbert would have been suspended on the completion of current contracts. Around the same time, the company commenced a statutory workforce consultation that placed up to 400 roles at risk of redundancy. Without a substantive and agile response, Scotland would have faced the prospect of losing our bus manufacturing capacity for good. That would have ended more than a century of automotive excellence in central Scotland and dealt a hammer blow to the affected workers, their families and the surrounding communities.”
“It is an innovative and exceptional intervention to support hundreds of jobs in Alexander Dennis, and it will act as a bridge to a sustainable future for the company in Scotland as orders pick up again. The outcome has been hard won, requiring the trust, dedication and goodwill of a range of partners, including the management of Alexander Dennis, the workers, trade unions and our enterprise agencies. Together, through close collaboration, we have come a long way during a short period of time. When I made my previous statement to the Parliament on Alexander Dennis, in June, the future was unquestionably uncertain, which was having an impact on the workforces in Larbert and Falkirk and on the wider community.”
“I am absolutely delighted to be back in the chamber to update members on the landmark announcement that Alexander Dennis delivered to its workforce in Larbert on Monday. The First Minister was delighted to join Alexander Dennis’s workforce and trade union representatives as they received the welcome news that the threat of redundancy had been lifted and that the company has decided to continue bus manufacturing in Scotland. The First Minister was pleased to announce £4 million of Scottish Government funding towards a furlough scheme for Alexander Dennis’s manufacturing staff. It is the first time that any Scottish Government has supported a company- administered furlough scheme.”
“Scotland is a trading nation. We have a long and rich history of producing goods and services that are highly regarded and sought-after across the world. Many of the goods that we export are instantly recognisable and symbolic of the high quality of Scotland’s produce and natural resources. Scotch whisky and Scottish salmon, for example, have long-standing and well-established places in food and drink markets around the world. Our products and services are also reflective of international demand for the innovative nature and future potential of the Scottish economy. However, the global economic and trading conditions within which Scotland seeks to grow its exports are incredibly challenging. The nature of that challenge is multifaceted.”
“I mentioned Scotland’s 19 per cent growth rate, and I would compare that with the United Kingdom’s rate of 12.5 per cent, France’s 12 per cent, Sweden’s 10 per cent and the 10 per cent rate in the Netherlands. There is still work to be done, but bringing everything together into Techscaler is one example of what we are doing. Equally, in an adaptable and innovative market, we do not want to micromanage the process. I believe that our approach is working, but we need to collaborate with NatWest and others. NatWest’s figures from earlier this year showed, again, that we are continuing to grow one of the highest start- up rates in the”