Posts

Manufacturing Firm Recognised for Excellence and Innovation

/1 Comment/in /by

The nominations are open for a national award to recognise excellence and innovation in Scotland’s manufacturing sector, the Scottish First Minister has announced.

Scotland is a country that is part of the UK. Covering the northern third of the island of Great Britain, mainland Scotland has a 96-mile border with England.

Manufacturing is the creation or production of goods with the help of equipment, labour, machines, tools, and chemical or biological processing or formulation. It is the essence of secondary sector of the economy.

The First Minister’s Award for Manufacturing Leadership celebrates competitive and innovative manufacturing companies who champion fair work and invest in the skills and wellbeing of their employees.

A first minister is any of a variety of leaders of government cabinets. The term literally has the same meaning as “prime minister” but is typically chosen to distinguish the office-holder from a superior prime minister.

The winning company will receive:

  • a physical award designed by students on Skills Development Scotland’s Engineering: Design and Manufacture Graduate Apprenticeships programme
  • two places, together worth £2500, on a delegation arranged by the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service of industry leaders visiting an overseas advanced manufacturing site
  • one year of free enterprise membership of Scotland House in London which gives access to meeting rooms, event spaces and exclusive networking events

The Scottish Government is supporting advancement in manufacturing including the £65 million National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, up to £14 million investment through the Advancing Manufacturing Challenge Fund, and the £39 million Glasgow City Regions City Deal project to develop the essential infrastructure needed for the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland.

The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland is a group of industry-led manufacturing research and development facilities with a network of Partners across Scotland brought together to boost the manufacturing community.

The winner will be announced at the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service’s National Manufacturing Conference on 26 May, 2020.

Global Accountancy Firm Names New Company Boss for Scotland

/1 Comment/in /by

Covering the northern third of the island of Great Britain, mainland Scotland has a 96-mile border with England to the southeast and is otherwise surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, the North Sea to the northeast and the Irish Sea to the south.

PwC has unveiled a new boss for its operation in Scotland. The firm has unveiled Claire Reid as the successor to long-standing Scottish chairman Lindsay Gardiner, who has stepped down after seven years in the role.

PricewaterhouseCoopers is a multinational professional services network of firms, operating as partnerships under the PwC brand. PwC ranks as the second-largest professional services network in the world and is considered one of the Big Four accounting firms

Claire, until recently head of assurance for PwC in Scotland, becomes the first female to hold the post.

And she comes to the role with a strong background in technology. Claire joined PwC in 1998 and in the earlier part of her career with the firm was based in Silicon Valley, California, where she worked with a number of high-profile technology clients.

On returning to the United Kingdom she worked to establish and develop PwC’s relationship with Oracle, a cloud computing partner, going on to help build the firm’s cyber security operation, during a 10-year spell in London.

Claire, who has a degree in international business and modern languages from the University of Strathclyde, returned to her hometown of Glasgow in 2016 to become head of assurance and lead the firm’s technology risk practice across the United Kingdom.

Mr Gardiner meanwhile will continue to work within the firm’s audit business.

Driving Scotland’s Economic Future: A Deep Dive into Industrial Strategy Efforts

/3 Comments/in /by

Scotland, known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, has been actively pursuing a comprehensive industrial strategy to bolster its economic future. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, Scottish industrial strategy efforts are paving the way for a resilient and thriving economy. This article delves into the key initiatives, sectors, and approaches that are driving Scotland’s industrial strategy, positioning it as a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.

The Framework of Scottish Industrial Strategy

Scotland’s industrial strategy is rooted in a vision of a diverse, inclusive, and globally competitive economy. The Scottish government, in collaboration with various stakeholders, has developed a comprehensive framework that aligns with these principles. The strategy emphasises key pillars:

Innovation: Scotland is nurturing a culture of innovation through increased funding for research and development, fostering collaborations between academia and industry, and supporting start-ups and SMEs in bringing their ground-breaking ideas to market.

Sustainability: Recognising the importance of sustainability, Scotland’s industrial strategy places a strong emphasis on environmentally responsible practices. The focus is on reducing carbon emissions, promoting renewable energy, and integrating circular economy principles across industries.

Skills and Workforce Development: To ensure a skilled workforce that can drive industrial growth, the strategy includes initiatives to upskill existing workers, provide quality education in emerging fields, and support lifelong learning.

Inclusive Growth: The strategy is committed to inclusive growth by reducing inequalities, boosting regional development, and ensuring that the benefits of economic prosperity are shared by all segments of society.

Key Initiatives and Success Stories

A. Renewable Energy: Scotland has emerged as a global leader in renewable energy. The country’s abundant natural resources have paved the way for significant advancements in wind, solar, and tidal energy. The development of offshore wind farms and investment in research and development have not only positioned Scotland as a pioneer in clean energy but have also created numerous job opportunities.

B. Advanced Manufacturing: The Scottish industrial strategy places a strong emphasis on advanced manufacturing, encouraging the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies such as automation, robotics, and additive manufacturing. This shift not only enhances efficiency but also opens doors to innovation in product design and customisation.

C. Life Sciences: Scotland’s life sciences sector is flourishing, driven by collaboration between academia, research institutions, and industry. The strategy’s support for biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical research has led to breakthroughs in disease treatment, medical devices, and diagnostics.

Public-Private Partnerships

A noteworthy aspect of Scotland’s industrial strategy is the commitment to fostering collaborations between the public and private sectors. By bringing together government entities, academic institutions, research organisations, and businesses, Scotland is creating an ecosystem conducive to innovation, knowledge exchange, and resource sharing. These partnerships are instrumental in driving research, accelerating technology adoption, and creating a pipeline for skilled talent.

Global Competitiveness and Trade

Scotland’s industrial strategy isn’t confined to domestic ambitions; it’s designed to elevate the country’s global competitiveness. By focusing on high-value exports, promoting inward investment, and cultivating international partnerships, Scotland is positioning itself as an attractive destination for business and trade. The strategy aligns with the country’s commitment to maintaining strong trade relationships even as it adapts to changing global dynamics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Scotland’s industrial strategy efforts are laying a robust foundation for economic growth, innovation, and sustainability. With a multi-faceted approach that encompasses innovation, sustainability, skills development, and inclusive growth, Scotland is on a trajectory to become a global player in various sectors. Through strategic initiatives, collaborations, and a forward-looking vision, the nation is forging ahead into a future where its industrial prowess shines on the global stage. As Scotland continues to execute its industrial strategy, the world watches with anticipation, eager to witness the positive impact it will undoubtedly have on the nation’s economy and society.