Richard Lochhead: Talented and refreshed cabinet put together by First Minister

Since his election the new First Minister, Humza Yousaf, has put together a talented and refreshed Cabinet and team of Ministers with a renewed focus on improving the lives of people here in Scotland.

There’s certainly been a generational shift within the Government with a younger team and for the first time ever, the majority of women round the table.

This week we’ve seen the new First Minister outline the priorities of his government, making clear our focus will be on supporting people through the cost-of-living crisis, tackling poverty, and building a fairer, greener economy.

I’m delighted, as part of the First Minister’s wider government team, to be taking on the role of Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade and have already been getting stuck in, meeting key stakeholders and businesses across the country.

Of course, this role is very relevant to Moray, given the backbone of our economy is our vibrant small business community. It is our excellent small businesses that underpin larger sectors in the region including tourism, food and drink, construction and manufacturing, and many others.

I have a lengthy list of ministerial responsibilities ranging from tourism and hospitality to life sciences, and even the space sector – which is a very exciting emerging industry in Scotland. Moray is playing a big and important role in that with rocket manufacturing company, Orbex, based in Forres.

I’m well aware of how challenging the last few years have been for businesses in Moray and across Scotland, what with the impact of the pandemic and the soaring cost of energy and supplies.

Brexit has also created new barriers for trade, which has had real consequences for businesses looking to export goods or import supplies. Exports and trade are vitally important to Moray businesses of all sizes, not least our food and drink industry.

Throughout all of that local businesses have shown incredible resilience and staying power, continuing to look for opportunities despite the challenging economic backdrop.

As I travel around Moray, I’m delighted to see new businesses opening their doors and have been pleased to visit some of those new businesses recently. And I am always open to invitations to visit local businesses here in Moray!

I’m committed to getting out there to meeting with businesses and stakeholders across the country, to ensure the business industry has an open and positive relationship with the Scottish Government, and I’m looking forward to working together to build a stronger economy.

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