06.11.2019
Leading change in business is to be the focus of a two-day conference in the Scottish Parliament.
Now in its 13th year, Business in the Parliament will bring together over 200 of Scotland’s leading business people with MSPs from across the political spectrum on Thursday 7 and Friday 8 November. It is a joint event between the Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee and the Scottish Government.
The event is chaired by the Presiding Officer and will feature keynote addresses from the First Minister; Robin Watson, Chief Executive, Wood; and Gordon Lindhurst, Convener of the Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee.
Presiding Officer, the Rt. Hon. Ken Macintosh MSP said:
“Business in the Parliament provides a unique forum which brings together business people and public servants, entrepreneurs and trade unions, politicians and policymakers from right across Scotland to have an honest debate about supporting our economy.
“Change in business is happening at an increasing rate and is a particularly fitting focus for this year’s event. Entrepreneurs often drive that change and I look forward to hearing new voices and contributions to this important debate.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP said:
“Scotland is already at the forefront of key sectors like technology, energy, advanced manufacturing and life sciences but we want to build on these strengths and help Scotland lead economic and technological change. To do so, business leadership will be critical in meeting some of the major challenges of our times, particularly our ambitious target to reach net zero by 2045.
“We are focussed on delivering sustainable and inclusive economic growth, which will improve the wellbeing of the people of Scotland. Achieving these ambitions requires partnership.
“That is why this conference is a great opportunity to continue to strengthen the relationships between Government, Parliament and businesses and to discuss what we can do, together, to rise to the challenges and grasp the opportunities ahead of us.”
Convener of the Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee Gordon Lindhurst MSP said:
“This year’s event is all about the future. The future of our economy, of business and the change that is needing to be made. I hope this two-day conference will be a catalyst for innovative thinking, positive relationships and a source of inspiration to Scotland’s business community, politicians and policymakers.”
Background
Hosted jointly by the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Government, the event is supported by all the main business organisations in Scotland (CBI Scotland, Federation of Small Business, Scottish Council for Development and Industry, Institute of Directors, Scottish Chambers of Commerce, Women’s Enterprise Scotland, Young Enterprise Scotland and Scottish Financial Enterprise) as well as the Scottish Trades Union Congress.
Members of the public can also watch the event online which can be viewed on the Business in the Parliament website from Friday evening.