Nicola Sturgeon’s new business cabinet role welcomed by Federation of Small Businesses

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Scotland has welcomed the news Nicola Sturgeon is to separate the business and economy briefs in her new cabinet.

Yesterday the First Minister indicated she will create a new role of economy secretary in addition to the existing finance brief.

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The new portfolio will include responsibilities of protecting jobs and engaging with industry, with the finance role focusing on government spending, becoming more akin to the UK Chancellor.

“Jobs and the economy will always be a top priority for the government I lead. But during this period of continuing economic fragility, that will be especially and particularly so,” she told reporters.

Stuart Mackinnon, a spokesman for the FSB in Scotland, said: “With a host of new tax powers coming to Holyrood and a slew of data suggesting Scotland’s economy is underperforming, the First Minister is absolutely right to separate the finance and economy briefs in her cabinet.

“We’re especially pleased that the economy portfolio will include speaking up for business. Smaller firms from Kirkcaldy to Kirkwall will be reassured that a political heavyweight is making the case for them at the seat of power in Scotland.”