3 May 2018
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon gave an address to the Scottish Council of Development and Industry today, at their annual forum in Edinburgh.
In her speech to #SCDIForum2018, FM @NicolaSturgeon set out that her economic focus was on support for #inclusivegrowth, innovation & internationalisation; helping companies with R&D; and meeting Scotland's infrastructure needs – both physical & digital pic.twitter.com/5OEQsT04EJ
— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) May 3, 2018
The First Minister set out her economic priorities for Scotland. In particular, she highlighted the need to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as doing more to help companies to grow and internationalise. That includes increased Scottish Government backing for research and development (R&D).
She also focused on the importance of inclusive economic growth – including fair work and adherence to the living wage, which is underpinned through the Scottish Business Pledge.
The latest company to commit to the Business Pledge – the 475th – is Roslin-based Synpromics Ltd. And the company have just been awarded a £1.9 grant to expand its programme of cell and gene therapy.
Synpromics is pioneering research that could unlock a one treatment cure for diseases such as leukaemia and certain types of blindness. The Scottish Enterprise R&D grant will enable the firm to invest a total of £5.4 million in this area, creating 11 new jobs.
FM @NicolaSturgeon meets @synpromics at #SCDIForum2018 – who have been given £1.9m @scotent grant for gene therapy research that could unlock cure for diseases such as leukaemia. The company are also 475th firm to sign #scottishbusinesspledge https://t.co/y5BageIiTI pic.twitter.com/iUbCDRfviG
— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) May 3, 2018
The First Minister said:
Synpromics is an excellent example of a fast-growing Scottish company with vision and ambition. Their expertise in world-leading gene therapy research has the potential to be truly life changing for patients.
“As the latest company to sign the Business Pledge – the 475th in Scotland – I also welcome that Synpromics are demonstrating their commitment to being a fair and forward thinking business.”