17.10.2014
The Chief Executive of Virgin Money, Jayne-Anne Gadhia, is to address MSPs and senior business representatives at the Business in the Parliament conference at Holyrood in November.
Ms Gadhia, who is also Chair of Scottish Business in the Community, will address the theme of this year’s conference, which is ‘Shaping Scotland’s Economic Future’.
Now in its ninth year, Business in the Parliament will bring together over 200 politicians and business representatives during the two day event on 6 and 7 November. Issues such as exporting, productivity and supporting a youth business boom will be among the topics discussed.
The Convener of the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee, Murdo Fraser MSP, First Minister, the Rt Hon Alex Salmond MSP and Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth, John Swinney MSP will also address the conference, which is being held in the Debating Chamber of the Scottish Parliament.
Presiding Officer, The Rt Hon Tricia Marwick MSP said:
“This annual event allows business people from across Scotland to discuss issues affecting their business with politicians. I look forward to chairing what is guaranteed to be an important opportunity for businesses and politicians to meet.”
Convener of the Economy Committee Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Having just had an intense period of debate about Scotland’s future, it is important that we channel this interest and have a frank discussion about how politicians and business can work together to achieve a bright economic future for Scotland.”
Finance Secretary John Swinney said:
“The Business in Parliament Conference is a great opportunity for business people, academics and politicians to come together to discuss how best we can improve economic conditions and enhance economic growth.
“The Scottish Government, with our enterprise agencies and Local Authorities, work closely with business and industry to ensure the country continues to be a competitive place to do business.”
Jayne-Anne Gadhia, Chief Executive of Virgin Money said:
“The Scottish referendum showed that politics matter -- to people, society and to business. I am proud to live in a country which could have so full and so loud a debate about its future, and believe we now have the opportunity to build an even stronger Scotland. I am looking forward to being part of the debate.”
Background
The programme for the event will also include a range of workshops led by a number of senior business leaders in Scotland.
The morning session being held in the Debating Chamber will be webcast live and will be available to watch from 9am on Friday 7 November.
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 and Scottish Financial Enterprise) as well as the Scottish Trades Union Congress and the Scottish Parliament Business Exchange.