Positioning Scotland for economic recovery and growth

Friday 12 February 2010, George Hotel, Edinburgh       

 

                                                    

Keynote address by Rt Hon Alistair Darling, MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer - click here for the Chancellor's speech

Featured speakers include:

Colin Borland, Public Affairs Manager Scotland, Federation of Small Businesses; Owen Kelly, Chief Executive, Scottish Financial Enterprise; John McLaren, Senior researcher, Centre for Public Policy for Regions; Simon Braunholtz, Managing Director, Ipsos MORI Scotland; Janet Brown, Chief Executive, SQA;Iain Herbert, Chief Executive, Scottish Tourism Forum; David Watt, Executive Director, Institute of Directors; Andrew Milligan, Head of Global Strategy, Standard Life Investments, Rt Hon. Brian Wilson, former UK Energy Minister; Donald Kerr, Commercial Banking Director, Bank of Scotland; Donald MacRae, Chief Economist, Bank of Scotland

Conference outline

Scotland has endured more than a year of broad-based recession impacting upon almost every sector of the economy. Businesses, particularly SMEs, hit by a drop in consumer demand, have struggled to access credit and maintain cash flows. As a result they have shed jobs and become increasingly vulnerable to the potential domino-effect of supply chain failures. The drop in demand has also affected the manufacturing industry, resulting in significant job losses.

The North American economist JK Galbraith once remarked that the only function of economic forecasting was to make astrology look respectable. The current economic recession, as unexpected as it was deep, would have enhanced his suspicions. Inevitably, there is uncertainly over the extent to which the Scottish economy has contracted and over the scale and exact timing of any proposed recovery. However a general consensus appears to be developing that the country will emerge from recession by the end of this year, with very modest growth predicted for 2010. There is already some cause for optimism.

With consumer confidence recovering, retail sales have begun improving. Business confidence also seems to be on the rise as evidenced by a recent increase in mergers and acquisitions. Indeed, research suggests that businesses are adapting to the new financial climate by assuming a more cautious approach to growth - trading short-term gains for more sustainable long-term rewards. Stability, it seems, is slowly returning. Moreover, there is hope that Scotland's strong advanced manufacturing industries - such as aerospace engineering, laser technologies, life sciences, digital and creative media - will help ensure it is well placed to enjoy an export-led recovery.

There are significant challenges, though, still to be overcome. Scotland's core growth sectors are experiencing mixed fortunes. The oil and gas and renewable industries both appear to be enjoying resurgence, whilst the Homecoming initiative has helped to minimize the recessionary impact on the food and drink and tourism markets. Conversely the services sector appears to be struggling, with financial services and business services particularly badly hit.

Hearing from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, leading sector representatives and business leaders, this national conference - to be held as the country is poised to emerge from recession - will explore whether Scotland's economy is positioned to take advantage of the opportunities which will be presented by recovery and growth.

Delegates will be encouraged to:

• Attend a business breakfast briefing by the Centre for Public Policy for Regions on the future of public expenditure
• Hear the UK Government's economic strategy for recovery
• Discuss the future shape of business in Scotland - the current challenges and potential opportunities
• Take part in a Dragon's Den forum debating ideas to help businesses through the recession and beyond
• Consider the importance of developing Scotland's human capital - ensuring the entrepreneurs and skilled employees of tomorrow are equipped to make the most of the recovery
• Debate what Scotland's future growth markets will be
• Examine four core sectors of Scotland's economy (Manufacturing, Financial Services, Energy and Tourism) and consider what each needs to enable them to once again drive growth

Supported by: 

                                

           

 

                                                             

                            

                               

If you have any queries regarding the conference or would like find out more information, please email adacosta@mackayhannah.com

Conference Rates

Conference Papers Only - £75.00 + VAT

Full - £280.00 + VAT
private sector
Standard - £245.00 + VAT
public sector
Reduced - £190.00 + VAT
professional bodies, trade unions, charities with turnover greater than £1M, universities and colleges
Supported - £120.00 + VAT
charities with turnover less than £1M, voluntary and community organisations