The Chief Executive of Virgin Money, Jayne-Anne Gadhia, will be the key note speaker at the Scottish Parliament’s annual business event next month.
Ms Gadhia, who is also Chair of Scottish Business in the Community, will address MSPs and senior business representatives at the Business in the Parliament conference at Holyrood in November, address the theme of this year’s conference, which is ‘Shaping Scotland’s Economic Future’.
Now in its ninth year, Business in the Parliament brings together over 200 politicians and business representatives during the two day event on 6 and 7 November. Issues such as exporting, productivity and supporting a youth business boom will be among the topics discussed.
The Convener of the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee, Murdo Fraser; First Minister Alex Salmond and Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth, John Swinney will also address the conference, which is being held in the Debating Chamber of the Scottish Parliament.
Presiding Officer, Tricia Marwick said: “This annual event allows business people from across Scotland to discuss issues affecting their business with politicians. I look forward to chairing what is guaranteed to be an important opportunity for businesses and politicians to meet.”
Mr Fraser said: “Having just had an intense period of debate about Scotland’s future, it is important that we channel this interest and have a frank discussion about how politicians and business can work together to achieve a bright economic future for Scotland.”
Mr Swinney added: “The Business in Parliament Conference is a great opportunity for business people, academics and politicians to come together to discuss how best we can improve economic conditions and enhance economic growth.
“The Scottish Government, with our enterprise agencies and Local Authorities, work closely with business and industry to ensure the country continues to be a competitive place to do business.”
Ms Gadhia said: “The Scottish referendum showed that politics matter – to people, society and to business. I am proud to live in a country which could have so full and so loud a debate about its future, and believe we now have the opportunity to build an even stronger Scotland. I am looking forward to being part of the debate.”
The morning session being held in the Debating Chamber will be webcast live and will be available to watch from 9am on Friday 7 November.
Hosted jointly by the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Government, the event is supported by all the main business organisations in Scotland, including CBI Scotland, Federation of Small Business, Scottish Council for Development and Industry, Institute of Directors, Scottish Chambers of Commerce and Scottish Financial Enterprise, as well as the Scottish Trades Union Congress and the Scottish Parliament Business Exchange.