SPBE host RBS Head of Group Economics Stephen Boyle for Economy Briefing

10th February 2011

On Thursday 10th of February 2011 the Scottish Parliament & Business Exchange (SPBE) hosted an Economy Briefing at the Scottish Parliament in partnership with the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS).  Stephen Boyle, Head of Group Economics for RBS, presented a wide-ranging economic seminar designed to help MSPs and researchers from the Scottish Parliament to gain a greater understanding of the major fiscal and business issues facing Scotland and the United Kingdom today.

The briefing, attended by eleven MSPs*, discussed the potential economic recovery in a global context, the prospects for Scotland and some of the obstacles that might inhibit recovery.  He then went on to look at some of the major risks to the economy, and the impact of the Scottish Budget upon Scotland.  Mr Boyle finished by discussing options on how Scotland could improve its growth prospects. 

This was followed by a lively question and answer session, which discussed the variable impact of exports and multinationals upon GDP, the impact of oil prices upon different nations, and some of the implications of European sovereign debt issues upon the Scottish and world economy.

Speaking after the briefing, SPBE Chief Executive Arthur McIvor said: “The key objective of the Scottish Parliament & Business Exchange is to help Parliamentarians and Business to further develop their knowledge and understanding.  Stephen Boyle’s Economy Briefing provided a great opportunity to learn more about Scotland’s economic outlook as well as gaining a deeper understanding of both the prospects of economic recovery as well as the potential challenges.”

*The MSPs attending the Business Breakfast Briefing were: Andy Kerr MSP, Jim Tolson MSP, Nanette Milne MSP, Liam McArthur MSP, Stuart McMillan MSP, David Whitton MSP, Iain Smith MSP, Robin Harper MSP, Lewis MacDonald MSP, Rhona Brankin MSP, Mary Scanlon MSP.

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