Scotch exports can ‘drive rest of economy’

The first minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon has hailed Scotch whisky’s export success as having the ability to “drive movement in the rest of the economy”..

Nicola Sturgeon hails Scotch whisky’s export success

Speaking before an audience in London, Nicola Sturgeon of the Scottish National Party (SNP) stated her views on how there were lessons to be learned from Scotch whisky’s “wealth of experience and success”.

Furthermore, she said she had been in talks with the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) to discuss how the government could support the industry.

“In a sense, it’s how the industry can help us in terms of what we are doing to try and encourage other sectors to internationalise and export,” she said, as reported by The Press and Journal.

“That expertise we can use to drive movement in the rest of the economy.

“We want to do even more. We’re doing this, partly because exports are in themselves beneficial for jobs and growth and also because we know companies, which internationalise are also more likely to innovate.

“And so support for internationalisation won’t just boost our balance of trade; it will also improve our productivity.

“And in all of this, we’re aiming very firmly and very explicitly to ensure that growth in our economy is inclusive – that is benefits all sectors of our society and all parts of our country.”

SWA London is “open for business”

Sturgeon also highlighted the importance of London and advised the UK capital should not be seen as a threat but as an opportunity to help Scotland grow even further.

The advice coincides with the opening of the SWA’s new London office, which the body said is now “open for business”.

“The London office will enhance what has been done over previous years to engage with key influencers to advance the interests of the industry,” said Graeme Littlejohn, SWA head of external relations. “As the first minister said in her Mansion House speech this week, London is an opportunity.

“This is true for SWA as it is for Scotland. It gives our member companies more opportunity to build towards the fairer tax regime that the industry has consistently called for.

“It opens up the prospect of dialogue with a wider range of government departments, think tanks, and others on issues the industry cares about, such as responsible alcohol consumption and sustainability.

“And it helps open new doors to many of the developing export markets that are ripe for the expansion of our world-class product.”