Findbusinesssupport.gov.scot contains hundreds of products, services and events from Scotland’s enterprise and skills agencies, and will be further developed to host content from across Scotland’s public sector.

The new site is one of the commitments in the refreshed plan, which was launched today by economy secretary Derek Mackay at a business breakfast in Edinburgh.

The plan also includes:

• leading the transition to a net-zero economy
• transforming public sector support for businesses
• the Scottish National Investment Bank to be operational in 2020
• investing in Scotland’s workforce to make the skills sector more responsive to the needs of the economy, and to help people into the labour market
• establishing the National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland
• increasing infrastructure investment through delivery of the National Infrastructure Mission
• driving growth in the rural economy through targeted support for small and micro businesses
• a focus on growing exports and international investment and attracting global talent

Mr Mackay said: “The refreshed Economic Action Plan sets out how we will tackle the climate emergency, grow an inclusive economy, and face up to the challenges of Brexit, changing demographics and shifting global circumstances.

“I want to ensure that we continue to support innovation, improve skills and stimulate growth in employment. We must do all this while also contributing towards our ambitious net-zero targets.

“A key part of the plan is the need to make it easier for businesses to get information, advice and support at the right time. That is why Scotland’s enterprise and skills agencies have come together to develop this new website. Findbusinesssupport.gov.scot is a significant step towards transforming the way businesses are supported.”

David Lonsdale,  director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, added:  “There is a much in this plan the retail industry can support, especially the measures on skills, innovation, digital and transport infrastructure.

“What’s missing is a stronger emphasis on keeping down the cost of doing business in order to stimulate commercial investment. In these unsettling times for retailers, the only fixed point in a world of flux seems to be rising costs which are increasingly difficult to absorb without passing on to shoppers.

“A more all-encompassing approach to delivering a competitive business rates regime is required, especially as the rates burden remains onerous and the poundage rate has reached a 20-year high. Top priorities must be finally delivering on the Barclay recommendation to restore by April the level playing field with England on the large business supplement, and retaining the Uniform Business Rate.”

Andrew McRae, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Scotland’s policy chair, said: “This new plan for the Scottish economy sets out the many ways in which the government aims to help the business community – an endeavour that should be welcomed.

“FSB has repeatedly called on the Scottish Government to create a business support system that provides a seamless, co-ordinated and joined-up service. Therefore, the delivery of a new bespoke website for enterprise advice, support and information should be applauded.  

“However, the enterprise support landscape is littered with countless online ‘one-stop shops’. So, to be effective, we need to further de-clutter the landscape by reducing the number of publicly funded, business-facing websites.

“With all eyes on the upcoming Scottish Government Budget, Government and opposition need to build on this launch and agree a package of support to boost the fortunes of local businesses. Top of the list should be protecting the Small Business Bonus Scheme and backing migrant entrepreneurs.”