Asked by: Alan Gemmell (Labour - Central Ayrshire)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to support businesses in Ayrshire in accessing opportunities from free trade deals.
Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Free trade agreements are central to our plan for growth, helping UK businesses to compete and succeed in global markets. Through FTAs, businesses can benefit from tariff reductions, improved market access, and enhanced protections in investment and digital trade.
That’s why the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is ensuring that UK businesses, including those in Ayrshire, have the tools, knowledge and support they need to seize these growth opportunities.
DBT delivers a dedicated FTA utilisation programme to raise awareness and help firms understand key provisions and opportunities through practical and informative guides with more information available online at business.gov.uk.
Asked by: Alan Gemmell (Labour - Central Ayrshire)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what progress has been made regarding the Ayrshire Growth Deal.
Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Regional Growth DeaIs are not a DBT policy. Delivery responsibility for the Scottish City Region and Growth Deal programme sits with the Scotland Office.
The UK Government remains committed to ensuring effective delivery in Ayrshire, as evidenced by the recent Ryanair announcement at Prestwick Airport. Ministers and officials continue to engage with local partners on a regular basis to maintain delivery momentum and urgently address challenges.
Asked by: Alan Gemmell (Labour - Central Ayrshire)
Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, What steps his Department is taking to support businesses to create well-paid jobs.
Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Through our modern industrial strategy, we’re backing businesses to create well-paid jobs across the UK. We’re investing in skills through apprenticeships, technical colleges and regional training programmes to help every area grow. Our global partnerships are delivering real results - the recent US State Visit will create over 15,000 jobs, our renewed India partnership nearly 7,000 and the Regional Investment Summit has unlocked £10 billion and 1,000 new jobs driving prosperity nationwide.