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Business in the Parliament 2006

Sir Tom Farmer interview launches third
'Business in the Parliament' conference

084/2006 | 2 November 2006 

An exclusive interview with top Scottish businessman Sir Tom Farmer will launch the third Business in Parliament Conference later today.

The two-day event will begin at 7pm this evening with journalist and broadcaster Sarah Smith hosting an informal interview with the internationally-renowned entrepreneur on the floor of Holyrood’s Debating Chamber.

In front of more than 230 leaders from Scotland’s business community, Sir Tom is expected to give an insight into his views on Scotland’s challenges, philanthropy and his relationship with Malawi.

He is also expected to outline the history of his own business, and highlight his current involvement with Young Enterprise Scotland and in promoting entrepreneurialism through the Entrepreneurial Exchange.

Speaking ahead of the interview, Sir Tom said:

"The Business in Parliament Conference is a great initiative which I am sure will inspire both business leaders and parliamentarians alike. I am delighted to be given the opportunity to open the event which I hope will further encourage debate on encouraging young entrepreneurship in Scotland ."

Ahead of arriving at Holyrood, Sarah Smith said:

"I’m greatly looking forward to meeting one of Scotland ’s best-known entrepreneurial spirits to take part in what promises to be a lively and enlightening debate.”

Run jointly with the Scottish Executive, this is the third Business in the Parliament conference to be held at Holyrood, and aims to build closer links between MSPs and Scotland ’s business community.

Over the course of the next two days, senior business representatives, Executive ministers and MSPs from all parties will 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.

On Friday the conference, chaired by Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer George Reid MSP, will hear from speakers in a session entitled “Business Futures & Future Businesses – challenges of the 21 st 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.

Background

Please note: As parliamentary business has now been extended and is not due to finish before 6.30pm, the event in the main chamber will not commence until 7pm at the earliest.

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

More about Business in the Parliament

For further information, the Scottish Parliament media contact is:

Richard Holligan: 0131 348 6265
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