Forbes to unveil support as Scotland 'open for business'

Ms Forbes – who is also the country’s Economy Secretary – will visit the National Robotarium in Edinburgh on Monday where she will announce the support.

Ms Forbes has led the drive from the Scottish Government to boost economic growth.

“Supporting business founders is critical for a vibrant, dynamic and growing economy,” she said ahead of the visit.

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“By empowering start-ups, we are creating a strong, successful economy built on entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable growth.

“Backing the rise of a new generation of Scottish firms will generate new wealth as they export their products and services across the world.

“It’s an approach that will define our economic future by a powerful blend of international capital and Scottish invention.

First Minister John Swinney delivering a key speech at the Barclays Campus in Glasgow last Friday on how he aims to boost Scotland's economy. Photo PA. 

“My clear message to investors is that Scotland is open for business. Our entrepreneurs have the talent, ideas and creativity to develop and expand hugely successfully businesses, and the Scottish Government stands squarely behind the start-up community and will continue to help them succeed.”

During her time as finance and economy secretary under Nicola Sturgeon, Ms Forbes was influential in the creation of the Techscaler scheme, which helps fledgling technology firms attract investment.

Mr Swinney’s government has been keen to seek a reset with the business community and focus on the improvement of Scotland’s economy, with a view to using increased revenue to support public services.

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The First Minister has said the Scottish Government will be “relentlessly focussed” on the public’s priorities.

He is to use a series of events over the course of what will be his second full week in office to show Scots how his administration will “deliver for them in the areas they care about the most”.

The new SNP leader has already made plain his determination to tackle child poverty, but he also wants the Scottish Government to be focused on the key areas of boosting economic growth, improving public services and tackling the climate emergency.

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Mr Swinney is expected to outline early actions from his administration, which he has pledged will be rooted in the “moderate, centre-left tradition of Scottish politics” and make a range of visits over the week, with announcements expected on his four key priority areas.

It comes as Mr Swinney said his government would seek to be “relentlessly focussed on the people’s priorities”.

He said on Sunday: “In the week ahead, I will set out to the people of Scotland how I intend to deliver for them in the areas they care about the most: growing the economy and creating jobs; supporting vital public services like the NHS and schools; tackling the climate emergency and eradicating the curse of child poverty once and for all.”

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With the SNP having been in power in Scotland for 17 years, he said the party had a “proud track record in Government”, adding that “across the country, people can see the benefits”.

The First Minister said: “Since we brought in free tuition, there has been a 31% increase in Scottish students entering university.

“The Scottish Child Payment is contributing to ensuring an estimated 100,000 children are not in poverty this year.

“There is nearly £90 billion of green investment taking place over the next three years, and since 2007, economic and productivity growth in Scotland has outpaced the rest of the UK.

“That is what SNP government at its best can achieve with a focus on the people’s priorities – and that is the approach I will ensure we deliver.”

However, he said he wanted Scots to “judge me on my actions, rather than my words” with the First Minister saying: “In the coming week, I will set out concrete steps on how we will take forward that focussed delivery.

“I know that too many people are struggling due to a cost-of-living crisis caused by UK Government incompetence, 14 years of austerity and a Brexit Scotland didn’t vote for, all while the Westminster parties use any tactic they can to distract from their failings and do everything possible to avoid discussing the real issues facing people.

“But I believe the times are far too serious for anything other than firm and decisive leadership and a relentless focus on the issues that truly matter.

“People in Scotland deserve to know that their Government is on their side – and as First Minister I will dedicate everything I have to proving exactly that.”