6 Apr 2009
Scotland Office Minister Ann McKechin was in Dumfries today as part of a regional tour to promote the UK legislative programme, as well as to hear first hand about the challenges currently faced by companies in Scotland and how the UK Government is helping them through the current economic downturn.
The Minister kicked off her day of back to back visits with a call on DuPont Teijin, the largest industrial employer in area.
Colin Mackenzie, DuPont Teijin Site Manager said:
''We are delighted to host Ann McKechin at our plant during her visit to Dumfries. The visit gave us the opportunity to discuss how we are being affected by the recession and what we are doing about it, as well as the level of support we are getting from various Government Offices.''
The UK Government is providing Real Help Now all around the country to help the economy come through the recession sooner, stronger and fairer. Practical measures such as deferral of tax payments through the HMRC Business Payments Support Service (BPSS) and the working Capital Guarantee Scheme to facilitate business lending, are helping large companies to come through this unprecedented global recession.
Ann McKechin said:
"These practical, focused measures are vital to ensuring that companies can gain access to the funding they need to keep doing business. But a company's employees are more often than not its most valued asset and it is reassuring to see companies such as Du Pont Teijin, doing as much as they can to retain their dedicated and talented workforce. This will provide a key competitive advantage in helping to come through the recession quicker and stronger."
Ann McKechin then met with the regional director of VisitScotland. As one of the major employers in the area, tourism is vital to the local economy. The Minister heard about the challenges faced in such a rural area - as well as their key areas of strength.
Sandi Hellowell, VisitScotland Regional Director said:
"It is always good to see interest being taken in Dumfries and Galloway's fantastic tourism product which includes outdoor pursuits, wildlife, heritage and a wealth of arts affiliations. While the current economic situation may bring short term challenges, Homecoming Scotland 2009 gives Scotland and Dumfries & Galloway a unique competitive advantage for 2009 and partnership working is essential as well as investment in quality in order to ensure economic recovery and growth."
The Minister then had a working lunch with the Dumfries and Galloway Chamber of Commerce.
Gordon Mann President of Dumfries and Galloway Chamber of Commerce said:
"We welcomed the opportunity to explain to the Minister some of the difficulties faced by businesses in a rural area during this recession. We also highlighted some of the area's strengths including the University Campus and the Crichton Business Park given her interest in the creative industries and higher education sectors."
Ann McKechin added:
"Today has given me the opportunity to learn about the particular challenges faced by companies operating in rural areas - but it has also shown me that areas such as Dumfries and Galloway have many strengths upon which they can build - not least the talent and skill of the local people. I have no doubt that the region has the capacity to come through this recession stronger than ever."
The Minister rounded off her programme of visits with an informal question and answer session with service users and carers from Capability Scotland. The meeting provided the opportunity for them to quiz the Minister on the Welfare Reform and Equalities Bills currently going through the Westminster Parliament.
Ann McKechin said:
"The aim of today's meeting was to hear directly from the people who will be directly affected by these Bill'snd I have found the experience and insight invaluable. The people I met challenged and inspired me and I will ensure to take their concerns back with me to Westminster."
Peter McLaren, Head of Service in Dumfries, Capability Scotland said:
"The service users Ms McKechin met today valued the opportunity to talk directly to a UK Government Minister about the issues that concern them most. The Welfare Reform and Equalities Bill's are key pieces of legislation that are vital to ensuring equal opportunities for disabled people in Scotland and I welcome the UK Government's engagement with Capability Scotland on these matters."
Ann McKechin will be visiting other areas of Scotland in the coming months to engage with stakeholders on the UK legislative programme and to discuss the action that the UK Government has taken ¿ and will continue to take, to help people and businesses through the downturn.