Rhoda Grant MSP

( photographs of Rhoda at the launch of Scotland's Building for Success >>>)

Highlands and Islands MSP, Rhoda Grant, today pledged her support for the construction industry at the launch of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Scotland’s Building for Success programme for the Scottish Government at the Scottish Parliament.

Rhoda Grant MSP heard from local members of the FMB how the success of building companies in Scotland largely depends on the correct policy environment.

As well as FMB Scotland’s policy recommendations for the Scottish Government, which are designed to enable MSPs to focus on what really matters to local employers and to help ensure that Scotland’s recovery is built on strong foundations.

FMB Scotland has identified three key challenges for the next Scottish Parliament:

First, in order to build a greener Scotland, FMB Scotland are recommending that low interest rate loans and other financial incentives such as council tax or business rate rebates are introduced to stimulate additional spending on energy efficiency in Scotland’s homes and buildings.

Second, to ensure that the construction industry has employees with the necessary skills when the sector recovers, FMB Scotland are advocating that vital spending on capital investment and large construction projects is prioritised to sustain jobs and skills in the industry.

FMB Scotland is also asking the Scottish Government to ensure that colleges are adequately funded so that construction departments can stay open to meet the demand for training.

Third, to create a new business environment for small and medium sized enterprises, the Scottish Parliament is also encouraged to apply pressure on Scotland’s major lenders to increase the flow of credit to smaller firms to allow them to continue trading therefore safeguarding jobs and training opportunities.

The Shadow Minister for Finance and Infrastructure, who represents over 40 FMB members in the Highlands and Islands, said:

"The construction industry is key to so much of what we hope to achieve in the Highlands and Islands, including more homes, improved transport, better schools and hospitals.

"Small and medium sized enterprises are vital to the success of these projects and provide many jobs too.

"It has been interesting meeting local small building companies today and I will be urging the Scottish Government to take on board FMB Scotland’s policy recommendations to support the construction industry and the local economy".

Grahame Barn, FMB Scotland Director, added:

"The majority of building work in Scotland is carried out by small and medium sized enterprises which form the backbone of the Scottish economy, which is why the Scottish Parliament must do everything in its power to support these smaller companies in helping to build a greener Scotland, safeguard jobs and skills and create favourable conditions to trade in."

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