RSA secures jobs for West Lothian and Scotland

The report shows that during 2009/10, businesses across a range of sectors in Scotland accepted 107 RSA offers totalling over £53.4m.

West Lothian firms were amongst those to benefit. Surveying firm Star Net Geomatics Limited received £100,000 towards the "Provision of laser scanning services". Catering equipment manufacturers ScoMac Catering Equipment Ltd received £190,000 for "Design and manufacture of bespoke industrial catering kitchens and serving counters"

Although the value of RSA grants accepted during 2009/10 has risen by only 2.5% (from £52.1m in 2008/09), the number of companies benefiting from the funding has risen from 88 last year to 107 in 2009/10. Furthermore, the number of jobs secured as a result of RSA funding year on year has increased 6% from 5000 to 5300.

Small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) accounted for 78 (73%) of the accepted RSA offers with total grant in excess of £13.2m. These projects involve planned investment of nearly £36m with the aim of creating or maintaining over 1500 jobs.

The number of offers accepted by non-Scottish owned companies has also risen from 30 in 2008/09 to 50 in 2009/10, showing that Scotland remains attractive to inward investors.

Commenting on the report, Lena Wilson, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, said: "I'm pleased to see the huge role that RSA has played in encouraging so many companies to expand their operations in Scotland, particularly during what has been a very difficult economic period.

"As a result of this funding, these companies have secured over 5300 jobs for Scotland. Thanks to this, and the additional support provided by Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International, these organisations will go on to become even more innovative, productive and globally ambitious, delivering more for Scotland's economy as a result."

Enterprise Minister Jim Mather added: "It is encouraging to see so many companies in Scotland expanding and creating new jobs with the support of Regional Selective Assistance throughout a challenging year for the economy.

"Many of the jobs are associated with manufacturing and the development of a low carbon economy - something our future success as a nation depends on. The support Scottish Enterprise and Scottish International Development are providing, both for ambitious home-grown Scottish companies and inward investors, is invaluable.

"The challenge now is to capitalise on our strengths, taking advantage of tools such as RSA to help maintain the fragile recovery that is underway and increase sustainable economic growth."

The full annual RSA report can be accessed at: www.scottishbusinessgrants.gov.uk/rsa/1137.201.322.html