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FM visits cutting edge lab research facilities and confirms over 5,000 RSA jobs by Q3

Scotland has officially surpassed last year’s total of planned jobs funded, created and safeguarded through Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) with 2014 ‘on track as a record year,’ says First Minister Alex Salmond.

Over 5,000 planned jobs have been announced so far in this financial year, already exceeding 2012/13 end of year total figure of 4,766.

During a visit to two cutting-edge research laboratories at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, First Minister said:

“These figures openly demonstrate industry’s continued growing confidence in Scotland’s ability to deliver and more. They clearly show we are on track for a record year in 2014 and have already exceeded the number of expected jobs created and safeguarded through RSA assistance compared to last year – something which combined with the powerful economic levers through independence point to a prosperous future.

“RSA supports investment in Scotland’s economy and creates jobs for our people. It further strengthens Scotland’s position in out-performing the UK for securing inward investment.

“With the powers of independence, Scotland will be able to enhance our offering to attract further investment. We have also pledged to produce a timetable for reducing the rate of corporation tax by up to three percentage points to counter the gravitational business pull of London and attracting a raft of new company headquarters and centres for research and development.

“The UK Government’s austerity approach has missed out on key opportunities for growth. Despite the Chancellor’s claims, by the end of 2015 the UK economy is forecast to be 5.9 per cent smaller than was projected in June 2010 and the UK remains smaller than it was prior to the recession. While Scotland performs relatively strongly compared to the rest of the UK, our potential has been held back by Westminster and will continue to be held back by continued austerity.”

After viewing research work being undertaken using state-of-the-art laser manufacturing equipment and life sciences research during his visit, the First Minister highlighted the key strategies - as set out in the economy paper published by the Scottish Government in November - which will support an independent Scotland's economy:

They are:

The First Minister said:

“The work being done here showcases the unique, world- leading equipment that continues and will continue to make Scotland a ‘flagship international centre of technology.’

“The Scottish Government, our agencies and employers across Scotland have set a clear course for recovery. We are working hard to get people back into work and to create opportunities for all of Scotland’s people.

“Scotland is at the forefront of technological advances and it has been both fascinating and encouraging to see the cutting edge research labs and equipment that will produce our next generation of scientists and digital technology experts.

“We will continue to work with Scottish Enterprise and other partners to maintain and build sustainable economic growth in Scotland.”

The 89 accepted RSA offers in 2013/14, for both domestic companies and international organisations committed to investing in Scotland, will see Scottish jobs created in an array of industries including small-medium enterprises, call centres and skilled high-value advanced technology positions.

Our ability to promote prosperity and jobs depends on the performance of our businesses - both large and small. This is why we are committed to maintaining and further investing in a Supportive Business Environment. Our approach will focus our efforts on growth companies, growth sectors and growth markets.

Our key actions in this area include:

• Establishing four Enterprise Areas in Scotland - including sites with a particular focus on low carbon manufacturing opportunities
• Providing advice and support to help SMEs grow, to hire staff and take on apprentices
• Promoting Scottish exports to capitalise on the significant opportunities in growth markets; with an ambitious target to deliver a 50% increase in exports by 2017
• Continuing to deliver the Small Business Bonus Scheme
• Strengthening levels of innovation and commercialisation, including improving the links between our universities and private sector companies
• Using the Scottish Investment Bank to support early stage innovative technology based businesses, and growth and exporting companies

Professor Duncan Hand, Director of the Heriot Watt EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Laser-based Production Processes Centre said:

"Lasers have a major role in high value production, and are essential tools for a developed economy such as the UK to successfully compete on the world manufacturing stage.

“Laser processes provide high quality, high precision readily-automated manufacturing solutions, with excellent repeatability whilst retaining a high degree of flexibility, which allows mass customisation and design modifications.”