Related Links

Business in the Parliament 2005

Business leaders to gather at Holyrood for
'Business in the Parliament' conference

082/2006 | 27 October 2006 

Business leaders from across Scotland will gather at Holyrood next week to discuss what political and economic challenges the sector will face over the course of the next four year parliamentary session, post the 2007 Scottish election.

The third “Business in the Parliament” conference will bring together senior business representatives, Executive ministers and MSPs from all parties to discuss the policies and actions required to ensure Scotland’s economy continues to grow.

Run jointly with the Scottish Executive, the conference’s main aim is to build closer links between MSPs and Scotland’s business community.

Alex Neil MSP, convener of the Scottish Parliament Enterprise and Culture committee and joint organiser of the conference, said:

"I’m looking forward to hearing from delegates about what they see as the biggest challenges facing the business sector and how they would like to see the next Parliament tackle these in terms of policy. I am sure that issues such as investment in research and development, Scotland’s infrastructure, skills and education and the regulatory environment will all feature.

"I am delighted that the Parliament is again hosting this now well established event and with our continued partnership with the Scottish Executive. I hope in time we can build on the emerging consensus and bring closer together business leaders, parliamentarians and government to work on growing Scotland’s economy.”

Deputy First Minister and Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning, Nicol Stephen MSP said:

"The Business in the Parliament event is now widely recognised as a key element of the linkage between the Scottish business sector, MSPs and the Executive.

"I believe it is important that we encourage and create a national consensus on business growth issues in Scotland, helping us achieve our number one priority of growing the economy.

"Business in the Parliament has already proved its value and I look forward to this year’s event and its focus on the future opportunities and potential for Scottish business.”

The Presiding Officer George Reid MSP will welcome delegates to Holyrood at an eve of conference event next Thursday (2 November). Journalist and broadcaster Sarah Smith will then put questions to renowned businessman and entrepreneur Sir Tom Farmer CBE KSCG in an informal interview on the floor of the debating chamber.

In the conversation, Sir Tom is expected to give an insight into his views on Scotland’s business climate and the political, economic, environmental and regulatory challenges, philanthropy and his relationship with Malawi.

In addition to establishing and growing his own business, Sir Tom is active in supporting and investing in the business leaders of the future through his work with Young Enterprise Scotland and in promoting entrepreneurialism through the Entrepreneurial Exchange.

On Friday the conference will hear from speakers in a session entitled “Business Futures & Future Businesses – challenges of the 21st Century.” Presentations will be given by:

• Mary Dickson, Managing Director, First Scotrail

• Sir Alan Langlands, Principal and Vice Chancellor, University of Dundee

• Jim McColl, Chairman and Chief Executive, Clyde Bowers

• David Milne, CEO, Wolfson Microelectronics

The conference will culminate in a speech from deputy director of communications at the International Monetary Fund and former communications director for The World Bank, Gerry Rice.

The First Minister Jack McConnell MSP will give the conference’s closing speech.

The conference can be watched live on the Parliament’s webcasting site www.holyrood.tv.

Media wishing to attend any part of the conference should contact Richard Holligan in the Parliament’s Media Relations Office, details below.

The conference programme is due to run as follows:

Thursday 2 November, 2006

Evening Reception at the Scottish Parliament

The Debating Chamber

7pm Welcome - The Rt. Hon George Reid MSP, Presiding Officer

An evening with Sir Tom Farmer CBE KCSG

Hosted by Sarah Smith, journalist and broadcaster

Drinks Reception in the Garden Lobby

Friday 3 November, 2006

9.15am Welcome – The Rt. Hon George Reid MSP, Presiding Officer

9.25am Opening Address - The Deputy First Minister and Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning, Nicol Stephen MSP & Alex Neil MSP, Convener of the Enterprise and Culture Committee

9.45am: Business Futures & Future Businesses – challenges of the 21st Century

• Mary Dickson, Managing Director, First ScotRail

• Sir Alan Langlands, Principal & Vice Chancellor, University of Dundee

• Jim McColl, Chairman & Chief Executive, Clyde Blowers

• David Milne, CEO, Wolfson Microelectronics

10.25am Discussion Sessions

12pm Feedback and Open Forum: Please note that this session will be based on feedback from six closed-door morning discussion groups from 10.25am-12 noon.

12.35pm Scotland’s place in the world - Gerry Rice, Deputy Director of Communications, International Monetary Fund, former Communications Director, The World Bank

12.55pm Closing speech - The First Minister, The Rt. Hon Jack McConnell

1.10pm Closing Remarks and Close

For further information, the Scottish Parliament media contact is:

Richard Holligan: Tel: 0131 348 5605
RNID TypeTalk calls welcome
E-mail: richard.holligan@scottish.parliament.uk

For public information enquiries, contact: 0131 348 5000 or 0845 278 1999 (local call rate)
Text phone: 0131 348 3415 RNID Typetalk calls welcome
email: sp.info@scottish.parliament.uk

Visit our website at: www.scottish.parliament.uk