This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Partnership approach key to stimulating enterprise and learning
27/08/1999
Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning, Henry McLeish today said that a close working relationship between government, public bodies and the private sector is the key to the effective promotion of enterprise and learning.
Speaking following a meeting also attended by his Ministerial colleagues Nicol Stephen and Alasdair Morrison, and representatives from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Highland Council and Moray Council, Mr McLeish said:
"I believe strongly that the challenges of creating good quality jobs and learning opportunities requires agencies to be working together, complementing each others' strengths and pooling resources. I have been impressed by the commonality of purpose here in the Highlands and Moray today. The people and businesses in the area deserve nothing less and I expect partnership working to go from strength to strength to the benefit of the area"
Commenting on the benefits of enhanced skills and knowledge as the key success factor for future economic prosperity, Mr McLeish added:
"I want key agencies such as HIE and the Council's to further engage people and businesses in the challenge of creating a learning culture and enhancing skills. This area has always had a high record of educational achievement but I want this to act as a springboard to widening opportunities to those who may be less inclined to be involved."
Ministers were informed that the Partnership approach has been highly productive in, for example:
· running a successful campaign for European funding;
· jointly operating a liaison office in Brussels serving the interests of the area;
· driving forward major strategic projects such as the University for the Highlands & Islands Project and the regeneration of Aviemore.
BACKGROUND
1. The meeting formed part of a Programme of Ministerial visits throughout Scotland to listen and respond to local and regional concerns on issues relating to Enterprise and Lifelong Learning.
2. The meeting concluded a day of engagements for Ministers in Inverness and Speyside, where they listened to the plans and priorities for HIE and local Council's for social and economic development and to inform them of the Government's commitment to stimulating enterprise and lifelong learning.
News Release: SE0430/99
27 August, 1999