This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Business growth trend welcomed
09/01/2004
Enterprise Minister Jim Wallace welcomed figures published today showing a rise in the number of businesses operating in Scotland for the third year running.
The Scottish Corporate Sector Statistics 2002 show that there were 252,085 enterprises operating in Scotland in November 2002 - an increase of 3.6 per cent on the previous year. These enterprises provided employment in 1.9 million jobs - up by 6,630 on 2001.
Mr Wallace said:
"I'm encouraged by the growth in new businesses and the employment gains as a result of this.
"Of course we cannot afford to be complacent. The Executive is committed to Scotland's business growth and we are taking steps to improve the business start-up rate in Scotland.
"We currently have in place a wide range of support to help new and growing businesses. This includes the Business Gateway, an improved and simplified system to access all public sector support schemes in the Scottish Enterprise area, and the Scottish Co-Investment Fund, which provides crucial early-stage capital.
"Next week, I will be in the USA promoting Scotland to important sectors of business, and meeting with companies who have already invested in Scotland."