Wishart highlights veteran-led business data gathering gap
Scottish Liberal Democrat and Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart has welcomed the Scottish Government’s Veterans Minister, Graeme Dey, committing to look at a gap in data gathering on veteran-led businesses in Scotland after Ms Wishart raised it in a speech on Tuesday (9th December). Ms Wishart was speaking in the annual Veterans debate in the Scottish Parliament where parties seek agreement for future and ongoing support for veterans.
Speaking in the Chamber Ms Wishart stated:
“The Scottish Government does not currently collect data on veteran-owned businesses, but estimates from UK-wide research suggest that there might be about 24,000 veteran-run firms in Scotland.
“Those businesses generate jobs, innovate across sectors and contribute directly to regional economic growth.
“In Shetland, we can point to the example of the SaxaVord spaceport as an entrepreneurial vision that has been realised by ex-RAF personnel.
“Without Scotland-specific data, we cannot fully understand or support that economic engine, so the Scottish Government should look to address that.”
Closing the debate Mr Dey said:
“I will take away Beatrice Wishart’s ask on the gathering of data on veteran-led businesses. She made an interesting point about that.”
After the debate Ms Wishart commented:
“I welcome the Minister’s comments into looking at data gathering for veteran-led business in Scotland. Veterans’ contribution to Scotland’s economy lies not only in the skills that they bring, but in their mindset, a distinctive entrepreneurial drive, a habit of solving problems and a determination to get things done.
Former Captain in the Royal Marines Commandos and Scottish Liberal Democrat spokesperson for veterans Bruce Wilson said:
“Veterans bring a depth of experience, discipline and leadership to Scottish businesses that is unmatched in most sectors of civilian life. Even the most junior members of the forces complete a minimum of 13 weeks of intensive, world-class training and many will go on to gain further qualifications allowing them to manage millions of pounds-worth of equipment, lead teams and run complex operations that, in civilian terms, look remarkably like running a business.”
You can watch Ms Wishart’s full contribution to the debate here.
The Minister’s concluding remarks can be found here in the Official Report.