Latest news with #KirstyMcNeill
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Scotland Office leads trade mission in Spain
A total of 16 Scottish female entrepreneurs, led by UK Government Minister Kirsty McNeill and the Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC), will arrive in Madrid today. Their mission comes after a report, first covered by The Herald, found that trade in Scotland could increase by more than £10 billion over two years if women-led businesses exported at the same rate as those led by men. The Gender Export Gap Report, commissioned by the Scottish Government, found that if women who lead small and medium-sized enterprises exported at the same rate as male-led exporters, it could increase total turnover by between £2.1bn and £6.3bn over one year, with this potentially increasing to over £10bn over a two year period. Scotland Minister Ms McNeill has voiced she wants the UK to be 'a leader' in promoting gender diversity in international trade. Those involved, including the chief executive of Scottish Chamber of Commerce Liz Cameron, will meet with Spanish entrepreneurs, business leaders and politicians to address the Scottish gender export gap and promote Brand Scotland. Taking place through events in Barcelona and Madrid, ministers said the mission will help Scottish firms 'boost exports, inward investment and kickstart economic growth'. During her trip to Spain, Ms McNeill will also discuss future plans for two shipyards in Scotland with the CEO of Navantia UK, a Spanish ship building company which recently took over the British shipbuilder Harland & Wolff. It currently runs operations across four UK sites including Methil and Arnish in Scotland. READ MORE: 'Scottish trade could create billions through women-led businesses' What Keir Starmer's new UK–EU agreement means for Scotland Figures from last year show Spain is the UK's seventh largest trading partner and it is Scotland's 10th with total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) being £64.6 billion. The UK is the number one European destination for Spanish investment (€83 billion stock). On Tuesday in Barcelona, the Minister will also meet the President of Catalonia, Salvador Illa to discuss new opportunities for trade and investment for both the UK and Spain. This visit marks the first Brand Scotland trade mission since the signing of a partnership agreement between the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and the Scotland Office on Friday. The deal, backed by a £100,000 UK Government grant, is focused on showcasing Scottish businesses globally and attracting inward investment. UK Government Scotland Office Ms McNeill said: "I'm very proud to be teaming up with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and fantastic Scottish women entrepreneurs on a trailblazing mission to Spain to help kickstart economic growth, create jobs and attract investment to Scotland as part of the UK Government's Plan for Change. "I want the UK to be a leader in promoting gender diversity in international trade and this is a unique opportunity for our women business leaders to build international connections, explore market opportunities, and connect with other female entrepreneurs in one of Scotland's and the UK's largest EU markets. "Through Brand Scotland, we are now giving our country the global platform it deserves." Last year, Scotland's goods exports to Spain reached £0.7 billion, with food and drink leading the way at over £212 million. Most recent figures show that Spain was the number six export destination for Scotch whisky, with sales worth £196 million in 2024. Spain is also among the most valuable destinations for Scottish seafood exports, including a top 20 destination for Scottish salmon exports. Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Dr Liz Cameron CBE said: "This trade mission marks a bold step forward in advancing Scotland's global trade ambitions. "By connecting some of our most dynamic women entrepreneurs and leaders with key players in Barcelona, we are opening new doors of opportunity, innovation, and growth. "Scotland's businesswomen are global in their outlook, ambitious in their vision, and ready to lead the way in forging deeper connections around the world. 'The collaboration between the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and Scotland Office is a powerful partnership which will boost business growth, increase exports, and champion Scotland as a world-leading trading nation. "This mission expands our market access and ensures the future of our business community is more representative, resilient, and internationally competitive." The mission follows the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer securing an agreement with the European Union last month which aimed at resetting relations after post-Brexit disruption. The deal includes an extension of EU fishing rights in UK waters until 2038. This 12-year continuation maintains current access arrangements, which were initially set to expire in 2026. The UK Government argues that the move provides stability and certainty for the fishing sector. However, Scottish fishing communities and the Scottish Government have voiced strong opposition. The agreement also includes a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement, which aligns UK food safety and animal health standards with those of the EU. This alignment is expected to eliminate most routine border checks on animal and plant products between Great Britain and the EU. It will also permit the export of some previously restricted products, including burgers and sausages, back into the EU market. For Scotland, this is significant, facilitating smoother exports for key sectors such as seafood and agriculture. However, it also means that the UK, including Scotland, must adhere to evolving EU regulations in these areas.
The Herald Scotland
6 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Timeline for £24 million Greenock transformation revealed in new plans
The work will see a number of places demolished, including the Hector McNeil House, the Bullring Roundabout and the eastern side of the Oak Mall Shopping Centre. The A8 flyover in place of traffic light junctions will be removed, while the creation of new public spaces and a fresh entrance for the Oak Mall will also take place. Extensive planning has taken place on the project with some initial works and site investigations carried out. The main bulk of the work is to begin later in the year with contractors starting with the Oak Mall and Hector McNeill House works. The project is scheduled for completion in 2027 with more details on that to be announced in the future. Read More Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, said: 'This is a complex project involving various public and private sector partners and a lot of hard work has gone in behind the scenes to get to this stage where the main works are due to start soon. 'This is the biggest project of its kind in a generation with the aim of transforming central Greenock and the town centre for the better and is really exciting. 'It will build on the good work that's been done to date, including the new Ocean Terminal building and the West Blackhall Street redevelopment, by making Greenock a more accessible and attractive place to live, work, visit and do business. 'There will, of course, be disruption and we're not shying away from that. 'We're also well aware of disruption experienced by residents in recent times due to a variety of emergency and planned works, particularly on the roads network and we share those frustrations. 'Council officers are working closely with the main contractor and alongside our various partners to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum. 'It's worth remembering though that the long-term goal here is to modernise and improve Greenock and to try and revitalise the town centre. 'I hope people will share in this positive outlook for the town and get behind Greenock.' The total investment in the central Greenock project is expected to be around £23.58m, including associated land and road improvement costs. Inverclyde Council successfully bid for £19.39m from the UK Government towards the project with the remaining £4.19m is being sourced from various external funding pots and the council's capital reserves. UK Government Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill said: "I welcome confirmation that the transformation of Greenock Town Centre will begin later this year. 'This exciting project, funded by £19.39 million UK Government investment, will boost the economy, create skilled Scottish jobs and enhance the lives of communities. "The UK Government is investing more than £1.4 billion in dozens of important local growth projects and programmes across Scotland over the next 10 years - including up to £20 million more for Greenock as part of our Plan for Neighbourhoods. 'Working with partners we will deliver a decade of national renewal through our Plan for Change." The transformative programme from Inverclyde Council will create civic spaces, a restructured retail offer and improve links between various parts of the town centre and the waterfront. The ageing A78 flyover and the Bullring Roundabout will be removed with the road brought down to ground level to improve access. It will be replaced by a low-level trunk road which brings the town together and provide easier access for visitors and residents.
Scotsman
28-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
'Worried' UK minister slams SNP Government over lack of skills for young people in Scotland
Sign up to our Politics newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A UK minister has claimed they are 'increasingly worried' about lack of skills for young people in Scotland. A UK minister has condemned what they said was a lack of skills in Scotland. Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill will today warn despite a £50 billion block grant, college places in Scotland have fallen to their lowest level in a decade, while young employment is rising. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ms McNeill, the Labour MP for Midlothian, is expected to make the comments at Forum, Prosper's flagship economic conference that takes place in Edinburgh. She will say: 'I am increasingly worried about Scotland's skills landscape. This week the UK government announced a range of policies to boost opportunities for working-class young people, with 120,000 new training opportunities as part of a radical skills revolution, giving them the chance to develop skills where they are most needed across the workforce with more skilled brickies, carpenters and healthcare support workers set to be trained up. 'But we are seeing no such urgency on the skills situation in Scotland. Despite that £50bn block grant, college places have fallen to their lowest level in a decade, apprentice starts are falling and young unemployment is rising. Kirsty McNeill MP for Midlothian 'Most shockingly of all, the number of kids who left school last year without a single qualification to their name could have filled an entire high school. Our brilliant country has a wealth of opportunities just waiting to fall into our lap if we work together properly.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Responding, the Scottish Government accused the UK government of damaging Scotland's education sector. Higher and Further Education Minister Graeme Dey said: 'Scotland's education and skills system continues to perform well, with more than nine in ten young people in work, training or further study nine months after finishing school, according to the latest figures. We also have record numbers of Scots being accepted to university in Scotland. 'We are providing £185 million this year to support apprenticeships and we provided an uplift in funding for Scotland's colleges in this year's Budget.
The Herald Scotland
08-05-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Scots fall silent to mark 80th anniversary of VE Day
The moment of reflection came ahead of a service of thanksgiving at Glasgow Cathedral at 1pm, with guests including representatives from the military, veterans' organisations, emergency services and religious groups. Members of the Royal British Legion, the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA), and the Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Families Association (SSAFA) will be taking part in the service, along with their families. A number of elected officials are also set to be in attendance, including Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes and Scotland Office minister Kirsty McNeill. Speaking ahead of the service Ms McNeill said: 'It's a huge privilege to attend the VE Day Commemoration in Glasgow to honour all the men and women in Scotland who served during the Second World War, and also to recognise the great sacrifice of the people of Glasgow during the Clydebank Blitz in March 1941. 'We owe our lives to those who served, and what will be a moving ceremony in Glasgow Cathedral is a fitting reminder of that.' READ MORE: Lord Provost of Glasgow Jacqueline McLaren said: 'Thursday's service in Glasgow Cathedral is a time for us to come together to remember and reflect on the sacrifices made, courage displayed and the resilience of those who put their lives on the line to keep us safe and help build a better world. 'It's also a day to rejoice in peace and freedom, sometimes things that we take for granted. I hope as many people as possible can come along to join us in tribute and celebration.' Reverend Mark Johnstone, minister at Glasgow Cathedral, added: 'We look forward to welcoming people from all walks of life, people of faith and none, as we reflect, give thanks and pray for a better tomorrow. 'Although there are increasingly few veterans still alive, the world we live in today was shaped by the outcome of the Second World War.' Meanwhile, Scottish Secretary Ian Murray is set to visit Lady Haig's Poppy Factory in Edinburgh, where he will meet 99-year-old VE Day veterans Margaret Landels and George McLeod, as well as a number of other military veterans. The factory has been producing poppies in Scotland since 1926, and its team of ex-service men and women produce millions of poppies and tens of thousands of wreaths, remembrance symbols and long-stem poppies each year. Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Murray said: 'VE Day is a moment for us all to give thanks to the wartime generation. We thank all those who served at home and abroad, who gave so much to ensure the freedoms we enjoy today. 'Of course, the war was not over until VJ Day, but VE Day marked a crucial turning point in the war and in our history, and it is right that we continue to mark it 80 years on.' The anniversary is also being marked in Scottish Government buildings, where a two-minute silence will be observed at midday. The Scottish Government's Victoria Quay and St Andrew's House buildings in Edinburgh will also continue to be lit up in red as part of a campaign to light significant buildings across the UK. Edinburgh Castle was among the buildings to be lit up in red on Tuesday in the run-up to the anniversary. Memorial events are also set to continue in Lerwick aboard vessels that arrived there from Norway on Tuesday, in commemoration of the Shetland Bus that operated between Scotland and Norway during the war. The events mark 80 years to the day since the formal acceptance by the Allies of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender on May 8 1945, bringing the Second World War in Europe to an end after more than five years of bitter fighting.
Scotsman
08-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
£25 million boost for space and tech firms at Edinburgh Royal Observatory's Higgs Centre
'Scotland has a rich history in innovation and technology and the Higgs Centre for Innovation in Edinburgh exemplifies this success' – Kirsty McNeill Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Businesses based within an incubation centre at Edinburgh's historic Royal Observatory have secured more than £25 million of funding since it opened seven years ago. Companies located at the Higgs Centre for Innovation have also created in excess of 150 jobs over the same period, new figures today reveal. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The achievements have been hailed as evidence of the vital role the incubator plays in fostering growth and innovation in the space and technology sectors in Scotland. Part of the Science and Technology Facilities Council, the Higgs Centre is co-located with the UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UK ATC) and the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Astronomy (IfA) at the Royal Observatory, Blackford Hill, Edinburgh. Picture by Jason Cowan Since opening in 2018, the Higgs Centre has incubated 28 companies, with ten currently in residence. Of those 28 businesses, 26 remain active, reflecting a company survival rate that is much higher than the national average. Part of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), the Higgs Centre is co-located with the UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UK ATC) and the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Astronomy (IfA) at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh. This location offers tenants access to labs, cleanrooms and state-of-the-art equipment, including space qualification testing capabilities, alongside specialist advice and guidance. Economic analysis reveals that each Higgs company generates an average gross value added (GVA) - a measure of net economic contribution - of £498,000 per annum, resulting in a total economic impact of £13m per year from the 26 active companies. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Start-ups specialising in artificial intelligence, robotics, photonics, rocket propulsion, avionics, aquaculture, data analytics and even prosthetics have all been assisted by the STFC business incubation programme at the Higgs Centre on the start of their journey. One such company currently raising investment is Robocean, which builds subsea robotics to replenish seagrass meadows. In the last century, Earth has lost almost one third of its global seagrass coverage and restoring these ecosystems has proved challenging. Robocean chief executive Niall McGrath said: 'Seagrass meadows are the beating heart of our oceans. Like a Swiss army knife they have a tool for every occasion, supporting biodiversity, capturing CO2, and reducing coastal erosion. 'Our incubation at the Higgs Centre has been game changing, thanks to their support we can move faster than ever before. Our access to laboratories and expertise has allowed us to quickly design, build and test our prototypes on the fly.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad STFC's Julian Dines, head of innovation at the Higgs Centre, said: 'We're very proud to have reached such a significant milestone with over £25m in investment raised while creating over 150 jobs. 'The Higgs Centre's role is to support small businesses and start-ups by providing them with access to the necessary knowledge, technical skills and facilities to move onto the next stage of their development. We look forward to continued growth in the tech sector, more successes and additional investments in the near future.'
