ENTERPRISE COMMITTEE LAUNCHES CALL FOR EVIDENCE ON SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS GROWTH

CENT009/2004 | 22 December 2004

The Scottish Parliament’s Enterprise and Culture Committee today asked for early views on what needs to be done to increase the rate of sustainable business growth in Scotland over the next 10 years, the subject of its latest inquiry.

Alex Neil MSP, Convener of the Committee, commented: “Politicians and business people agree on one thing: Scotland’s rate of business growth is poor. Increasing the rate of business growth is the major challenge we all face. Our economy must grow to keep pace with our competitors around the world.

“We are committed to ensuring that a broad range of Scottish business people are closely involved with this inquiry, so that we can learn the lessons of success.”

Mike Watson MSP, Deputy Convener, added:

“At this stage we are keen not to limit the scope of our inquiry. First off, we want to listen to the concerns of the business community to make sure that we are addressing the real issues that limit our business growth rate.”

The remit for the inquiry is to inquire into what needs to be done to increase the rate of sustainable business growth in Scotland over the next 10 years.

The Committee will compile initial views expressed and will consider around in mid-February 2005 an issues paper identifying the key challenges for business growth.

Interested individuals and organisations are invited to submit written evidence to the Committee. Submissions should not be more than 6 sides of A4. The closing date for evidence is 31 March 2005. Wherever possible, please e-mail submissions to:

businessgrowth@scottish.parliament.uk

Where e-mail is not available, please contact the Clerks to discuss alternative arrangements.

BACKGROUND

The Enterprise and Culture Committee was established by a resolution of the Parliament on 4 June 2003. Its remit is:

To consider and report on matters relating to the Scottish economy, business and industry, energy, training, further and higher education, lifelong learning and such other matters which fall within the responsibility of the Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning; and matters relating to tourism, culture and sport and such other matters as fall within the responsibility of the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport.

The membership of the Committee is:

1. Alex Neil (Convener), Scottish National Party, Central Scotland
2. Mike Watson (Deputy Convener), Labour, Glasgow Cathcart
3. Mr Richard Baker, Labour, North East Scotland
4. Chris Ballance, Green, South of Scotland
5. Susan Deacon, Labour, Edinburgh East and Musselburgh
6. Murdo Fraser, Conservative, Mid Scotland and Fife
7. Mr Michael Matheson, Scottish National Party, Central Scotland
8. Christine May, Labour, Central Fife
9. Mr Jamie Stone, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross

What sort of evidence is the Committee looking for?

The following guidance is offered to assist those wishing to submit written evidence, and is not intended to be prescriptive.

1. Evidence submitted may be published by the Parliament, in electronic or paper form. Electronic form is preferred wherever possible. If you do not wish your submission to be made public, please state this clearly at the start of the submission. Whether or not a submission will be made public remains at the discretion of the Committee.

2. Evidence should be limited to 6 sides of A4. If your evidence is likely to be substantially longer, please contact the Clerks to discuss.

For specific committee information or information about the inquiry, contact:
Judith Evans, Direct Tel: 0131 348 5214 (RNID Typetalk calls welcome)
Email: judith.evans@scottish.parliament.uk

or

Seán Wixted, Direct Tel: 0131 348 5230 (RNID Typetalk calls welcome)
Email: seán.wixted@scottish.parliament.uk

For further information, the media contact is:

Sally Coyne Tel: 0131 348 6269
email: sally.coyne@scottish.parliament.uk

Enterprise and Culture Committee contact information

For public information enquiries, contact: 0131 348 5000

For general enquiries, contact 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