Wed, Apr 23 2008
Enterprise Minister Jim Mather has praised West Lothian’s approach to local economic partnership working, citing the area as a shining example that could be followed by other regions.
The Minister was speaking at West Lothian Economic Partnership's annual conference in Livingston last week. The conference brought together speakers from Government and business to discuss how West Lothian can contribute to economic growth in Scotland. Jim Mather MSP, Minister for Enterprise, Energy & Tourism outlined the Government?s approach to economic development, viewing the building of partnerships to boost growth as central to its success. The Minister said: "The fact the West Lothian Economic Partnership exists is very important. The rest of Scotland can learn from this partnership working" He added: "West Lothian has a history of being an economic trailblazer. It has a distinguished economic past and a positive economic future." Putting across the business perspective was guest speaker Jim McColl OBE, the chief executive of Clyde Blowers. Jim McColl leads one of the world's most successful and innovative companies. He explained how attitudes to business needed to change to boost economic growth, saying: "We need to get the message out there that business is good and enterprise is good." Mr McColl also identified the need for supportive local government partners, adding: "West Lothian has a very good reputation in Scotland as a very positive area, that is very business friendly and this helps to boost growth." Professor Donald MacRae, Strategy and Finance Director at Lloyds TSB Scotland, concluded the presentations. Professor MacRae?s ability to make economic data accessible to those outwith the sector made for a fascinating overview of the structural reasons behind Scotland?s failure to match the UK?s growth rate over the last 30 years. Pointing to slow population growth and lack of people starting new businesses, he also identified a need for some 96,000 new businesses needed in Scotland to bring the country up to the UK average. West Lothian Economic Partnership comprises: West Lothian Council, West Lothian Chamber of Commerce, West Lothian College, Scottish Enterprise, the Federation of Small Businesses and JobcentrePlus. Photo shows (left to right) Dave McDougall, Jim McColl, Jim Mather, Donald MacRae.
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