NICOLA Sturgeon has appointed a chief business adviser to help drive sustainable growth and long-term economic success for Scotland.
Ellis Watson, former CEO of DC Thomson, has taken up the post after holding several positions at a number of companies including First Group, John Menzies, and Syco.
He will work directly with the First Minister to identify the priorities of the business community and help shape the Government’s support and response.
The appointment comes less than a year after the publication of Scotland’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation (NSET), which sets out how the Scottish Government will maximise the country's economic potential over the next decade.
The First Minister said: “Breaking down the barriers between businesses and government and sharing ideas about what works and what doesn’t will help the Scottish Government to continue to support growth and deliver long-term economic success for Scotland.
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"Businesses are currently contending with the ongoing impact of Brexit and Scotland’s removal from the European single market, the cost crisis, and the transition to net zero – all at the same time as we recover from the repercussions of the pandemic.
“Ellis’s appointment will open up a constant, direct dialogue between government and the private sector so we can listen directly to what really matters to business people in Scotland.
“Ellis is an outstanding business leader with a successful track record in many high profile companies with an international reach. His support will be invaluable in setting an agenda that listens to business and creates an environment in which they wish to invest and develop talent in Scotland.”
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Watson said the private sector can feel as if the Government is disconnected from them and he will seek to change this.
Watson said: “Scotland’s economic success has never been so dependent on the health of our businesses.
"The private sector sometimes feels the Government is disconnected from their needs, and I’m determined to ensure we meet the challenges with a robust candour to reach our country’s commercial potential."
The Scottish Government has said this is an unpaid appointment and the first of two business adviser roles to be appointed.
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